Heavy rains in El Salvador and Guatemala have caused flooding and landslides, resulting in the deaths of thirteen people. Authorities from both countries have confirmed the fatalities due to the severe weather.
Five people died in a landslide in Tacuba, Ahuachapan, El Salvador, amidst the ongoing floods and landslides in Central America. Civil defense chief Luis Amaya reported the fatalities on Monday.
The deaths occurred after a tree and a pole fell on a car traveling on a highway in the capital on Sunday, resulting in two fatalities.
Another four people were killed in flooding and landslides between Friday and Sunday, Amaya added.
On Sunday, Congress approved a state of emergency to facilitate the mobilization of resources.
President Nayib Bukele said on X that he had asked Congress to make Tuesday a federal holiday to avoid commutes and “reduce the risk of tragedies.”
Rains have been slamming both countries since Saturday.
In Guatemala, a 59-year-old woman and a 68-year-old man died on Sunday in the village of Chacaya, in the western municipality Sacapulas, when they were buried by a collapsed wall, authorities said.
Dozens to hundreds die each year in Central America as the rainy season leaves extensive damage to countries’ infrastructure.
Central America, known for its vulnerability to natural disasters, currently faces devastating floods and landslides. These events have swept away communities and severely damaged critical infrastructure.
Rescue operations are actively ongoing to assist those affected and minimize additional risks.
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