Guatemala: Hazard Identification Tool - Floods, 03 Nov 2008

Objective

The objective of the Hazard Identification Tool (HIT) is to alert the UN Country Team and emergency responders to potential secondary risks after a natural disaster posed by large infrastructure and industrial facilities containing hazardous materials located in the affected area. This information can be shared with competent local and national authorities as appropriate. Any actual secondary risk should be addressed at the earliest possible stage.

Methodology

The HIT provides the user with the (expected) location of hazards in the affected area. In addition, the substances that are expected to be present in these facilities are listed, as also the hazard type for the whole of the substances. The last column gives the estimated impact type of the hazard. The methodology of the HIT is based on the Flash Environmental Assessment Tool (FEAT), a rapid assessment methodology to detect the most acute hazards to human health and the environment after natural disasters.

Event

Continuous rains have caused serious flooding in Guatemala. Most affected are the departamentos of Alta Verapaz, Izabal, Peten and Quiche, with Peten being 100% flooded. Due to instability of slopes, mud- and landslides have occurred.

The Joint UNEP/OCHA Environment Unit

The Joint UNEP/OCHA Environment Unit is the United Nations mechanism to mobilize and coordinate the international response to environmental emergencies caused by natural disaster, technological accidents and complex emergencies.

Disclaimer

This profile is not a conclusive list. Other hazards may not be readily identifiable. The information sources used are public websites. All efforts are made to screen the websites for accuracy.