Torrential Rains Claim 13 Lives in Central America

Thirteen people die in Central American landslides and floods.

Severe rains cause devastating floods and landslides in Central America, resulting in 13 deaths across El Salvador and Guatemala. Officials confirm fatalities and injuries, with states of emergency declared to mobilize resources and mitigate further tragedy.

As the severe rains continue to batter Central America, officials from El Salvador and Guatemala have confirmed that thirteen people have died as a result of flooding and landslides in their respective countries.

“In El Salvador, which has been the most severely affected country thus far, five people perished on Monday, June 17 in a landslide in the western district of Tacuba, located in the department of Ahuachapan.

“These fatalities are in addition to two deaths that occurred on Sunday, June 16 when a tree and a pole fell onto a car traveling on a highway in the capital.

“Four individuals were killed in flooding and landslides between Friday and Sunday.” Civil Defence chief Luis Amaya said.

Congress authorized a state of emergency on Sunday in order to hasten the mobilization of resources.

Social media users were informed by President Nayib Bukele “that he had asked Congress to make Tuesday, June 18 a federal holiday to avoid commutes and reduce the risk of tragedies.”

Torrential rains have battered both nations without pause since Saturday, June 15, leading to severe conditions.

Authorities in Guatemala stated that on Sunday, June 16, two people—a 59-year-old lady and a 68-year-old man—were buried behind a collapsed wall in the town of Chacaya, which is part of the western municipality of Sacapulas.

The Central American rainy season is marked by widespread infrastructure damage, leading to a tragic loss of life, with annual fatalities typically ranging from dozens to hundreds.

Additionally, authorities in Ecuador reported on Monday, June 17, that the number of deaths from a landslide had risen from six to seven, with 22 more injured. The avalanche happened in the popular southern Ecuadorian province of Tungurahua and was caused by heavy rainfall.