“We have raised the alert from yellow to orange. As of the declaration of this alert, both the General Directorate of Civil Protection and all institutions of the National Civil Protection System are active,” announced Luis Amaya, director of Civil Protection.
The authorities explained that the decision is based on official forecasts. According to the Minister of Environment, Fernando López, continuous rains and daily accumulations exceeding 50 or 60 millimeters are expected in the national territory, with special emphasis on the coastal zone.
“This is going to fall in only three days”, he detailed regarding the rainfall expected between Monday the eighth, Tuesday the ninth, and Wednesday the tenth. The phenomenon also involves wind gusts of up to seventy-five kilometers per hour and an increase in swell, which increases the risk for vessels on the high seas.
According to López, Tropical Storm Cristina evolved from a depression and has remained under monitoring since its formation in the Pacific Ocean.
“Rain in the morning, rain in the afternoon, rain at night,” he noted when describing the persistence of the phenomenon. Furthermore, he warned that a drop in temperature could be recorded and that adverse conditions will continue throughout the country, especially in coastal and mountainous regions.
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Institutional mechanism and warnings to the population
Romeo Rodríguez, Minister of Public Works, reported that sixty-eight crews have been activated nationwide, with personnel working in day, afternoon, night, and early morning shifts to address any emergency.
“We are going to rotate the crews so they can be available at all times. For any fallen tree, landslide, or any collapse,” maintained Rodríguez. Public Works activated 68 facilities throughout the country to respond to emergencies and keep roads open in the face of fallen trees, landslides, and collapses. (Photo Infobae Centroamérica/Emerson Del Cid)
The priority, according to the official, is to quickly enable the roads and guarantee the passage of ambulances, relief agencies, and the mobility of the population.
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“We are going to try to guarantee connectivity on the different highways of the country,” he stated. He highlighted the special surveillance on roads such as the Los Chorros highway, the highway to the Port of La Libertad, and the Litoral highway, especially in areas such as La Canoa and Puerto Parada.
He clarified that, as of now, no closures are expected, but the situation will be evaluated based on the development of the storm.
Among the preventive actions, Rodriguez mentioned the construction of a vault in Brisas de San Francisco, the return of families to their homes, and intervention in other areas with the elimination of gullies and drainage works. “There is still much to be done, but we will remain vigilant,” he stated. Tropical Storm Cristina, monitored in the Pacific Ocean, could also generate gusts of up to 75 kilometers per hour, increased swells, and a drop in temperature. (Photo Infobae Central America/Emerson Del Cid)
Baltazar Solano, director of the Fire Department, announced that personnel have been reinforced and shifts have been doubled to attend to emergencies associated with the storm. “There will be reinforcement personnel answering the call,” he explained.
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Solano urged the population not to litter, as this increases the risk of flooding. “We look for the problem, remove the trash, and the flooding disappears,” he remarked.
He warned about the danger of crossing rivers or streams during the storm, even if it is not raining in the area, and reminded that fatal accidents have occurred under these circumstances. The emergency number enabled is 913.
Incident report and additional measures
Luis Amaya, director of Civil Protection, presented a report on the incidents recorded in the last few hours. He reported that thirty-eight fallen trees and at least five landslides have been reported in different areas, especially with damage to roads, which have already been addressed by the Ministry of Public Works.
Civil Protection reported 38 fallen trees, at least five landslides, two overflowing rivers, 11 affected vehicles, and 55 flooded homes in different areas of the country. (Photo Infobae Central America/Emerson Del Cid)
Amaya pointed out that two overflowing rivers have been recorded: the Las Negritas creek in the Amayo river, El Jute canton, Texistepeque, Santa Ana, and sector three of La Ceiba, in Santa Ana. He also mentioned damage to walls, at least eleven vehicles affected and fifty-five flooded homes. The affected people are being assisted by the Government.
The official reiterated the importance of staying attentive to official information to take the necessary actions and safeguard lives.
The authorities also announced the temporary closure of national parks and protected areas until further notice. Recommendations include not littering, avoiding obstructing drains, and staying informed only through official sources, while the national emergency system remains on permanent alert due to Tropical Storm Cristina.
