Severe Weather
Colombia
On 18 October 2018, the Colombia Institute Hydrology, Meteorology, and Environmental Studies (IDEAm) declared an orange alert for Antioquia Department and several areas of the country due to an increase of water level and possible overflow of the Magdalena, Cauca, Fonce, and Suarez rivers. Media reported at least 1,500 families are at risk of floods in Barrancabermeja city, Santander Department, and in Brisas Del Rio, Antioquia, 150 families are at risk. The complete reports are available in Spanish at: IDEAM and Vanguardia Noticias.
Costa Rica
On 17 October 2018, the Costa Rica National Commission for Risk Prevention and Emergency Care (CNE) reported a red alert for the districts of Lepanto, Paquera, and Cobano in the Puntarenas Canton and Nicoya, Nandayure, Hojancha, Carrillo, and Santa Cruz Cantons, Guanacaste Province due to a tropical wave. Currently, 18 shelters are open and assisting 557 people; the CNE is providing assistance to 193 communities. The report is available in Spanish at: CNE.
Guatemala
On 17 October 2018, the Guatemala National Coordination for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) reported that Tuesday’s heavy rain in the following departments: Santa Rosa, Jutiapa, Guatemala, Sacatepequez, and Peten caused water pipes and a well to collapse affecting 10,000 vehicles on route Sur zona 8 de Mixco. In the Department of Guatemala, 106 people were affected and 22 people were injured. An overflow of the Negro and Las Carretas river, Moyuta Municipality, Jutiapa Department, affected the following communities: Palos Abrazados, Poza del Llano, El Paraíso, El Arenal, El Rosario, Los Ángeles, Valle Nuevo, and Nueva Montufar. In Jutiapa, 242 people and homes were affected, and 207 people were injured. Furthermore, in Antigua Guatemala Department, heavy rain caused the drainage to fail and flooded several neighborhoods affecting 63 people and injuring 9. The report is available in Spanish at: CONRED.