Central America: Tropical Storm Sara - Flash Update No. 2 (as of 18 November 2024)

KEY MESSAGES

• Tropical Storm Sara, which made landfall on 14 November near the Honduras-Nicaragua border and crossed Belize on 17 November with winds of 65 km/h, has since dissipated, but ongoing rains continue to affect parts of Central America, leaving the region at risk of landslides due to saturated soils.
• Tropical Storm Sara has affected more than 177,986 people across Central America, driving 10,369 to shelters and causing 7 deaths.
• Governments across Central America have declared national and regional alerts, coordinated response efforts, mobilized resources and conducting damage and needs assessments as required.
• UN agencies and humanitarian partners are supporting government-led efforts across Central America, providing coordination, technical assistance, and monitoring to strengthen the response to Tropical Storm Sara’s impacts.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

After making landfall on 14 November, approximately 160 km west-northwest of Cabo Gracias a Dios on the Honduras-Nicaragua border, Tropical Storm Sara crossed Belize on 17 November with winds of 65 km/h. Rainfall levels reached those last seen during Eta and Iota in 2020, pushing dams to their limits. Although Sara has dissipated, rainfall continues across parts of Central America. The storm, which formed over the Caribbean, drew moisture from the Pacific Ocean, bringing additional rain to El Salvador and southern Honduras. Guatemala has also reported damage from Sara’s rains. The risk of landslides remains high across the region, with soils still highly saturated.

Honduras

At present, authorities report damage in 17 of 18 departments and 85 of 298 municipalities, with more than 127,716 people affected. Over 6,738 people are in 95 active shelters, 3,227 houses have been damaged, 226 destroyed, and two fatalities have been confirmed. Road infrastructure, drinking water and sanitation systems, and electricity services have sustained significant damage, particularly in Atlántida.

Nationwide, 41 vehicle crossings are impassable, 53 roads are damaged, 4 destroyed, 305 streets are affected, 248 destroyed, and 1,797 communities remain cut off. While rainfall has decreased in Gracias a Dios, Colón, and Olancho, intermittent rains are forecast in the coming days for northern, southwestern, and southern departments.

Belize

Authorities report no casualties, but officials note that water levels continue to rise and will monitor the situation in the coming days. The Government highlights the potential need for search and rescue operations and has advised downstream residents to evacuate flood-prone areas. At least 162 people are currently in 10 official shelters and 3 private shelters. Authorities are prioritizing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) needs, particularly in the South and Cayo districts, while health teams monitor water quality in shelters.

Guatemala

Tropical Storm Sara caused river floods, landslides on roads, and flooding, prompting a national orange alert declared on 14 November. The National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology, and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH) continues to monitor the situation, while the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) carries out preparedness actions. Authorities report 50,240 people affected, 337 displaced, 21 sheltered, 122 houses with minor damage, 200 with moderate damage, and 15 with severe damage, with 61 emergencies addressed overall. Rainfall from Sara led to the suspension of UN missions in Petén, Izabal, and northern Alta Verapaz from 16 to 18 November as well.

El Salvador

According to the National Shelter Directorate, authorities report three active shelters housing 30 people. Reported damage includes 9 river overflows, 7 urban floods, 6 landslides, 21 obstructed roads, 91 flooded homes and 5 homes with structural damage. The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources’ Environmental Observatory highlights a high likelihood of continued urban flooding, flash floods, and river overflows along the coastal strip, volcanic range, and eastern regions.

Costa Rica & Panama

Tropical Storm Sara brought heavy rain to parts of Panama and Costa Rica, with both countries already issuing alerts earlier in the week due to heavy rains from Rafael. In Costa Rica, intense rainfall since early November has affected the Central and Northern Pacific regions, causing river overflows, landslides, road destruction, and other impacts, forcing evacuations and rescues in danger zones.

As of 18 November, authorities in Costa Rica reported 5,566 incidents related to floods, river overflows, and landslides, resulting in destroyed homes, vehicles, and roads, and 3,418 people seeking safety in 57 temporary shelters across 41 of the country’s 84 cantons, affecting more than 633 communities. Five people have died, and five remain missing.