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Tropical Depression Sara Heads to Mexico, 1 Dead in Honduras Floods
US National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast that Sara will weaken as it moves further inland over Mexico’s Quintana Roo state
Sara, a sluggish tropical depression, made its way towards Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula following its rampage of extensive flooding in Honduras and Belize. This disastrous event resulted in the unfortunate death of one individual and compelled thousands to evacuate, as reported by authorities on Sunday.
The NHC in the United States predicts that Sara will lose strength as it progresses inland across Quintana Roo state in Mexico; however, there is a caution about the possibility of floods and mudslides due to heavy rainfall in the region.
According to the forecaster in Miami, Sara is currently experiencing maximum sustained winds of 35 mph (56 kph) and is moving in a northwesterly direction at a speed of 12 mph (19 kph).
According to the most recent NHC report, the storm’s focal point currently sits approximately 160 miles (257 km) southeast of Campeche, Mexico.
Storm Impact Across Central America: Mexico, Honduras, and Belize Brace for Severe Weather
Mexico’s national emergency services emphasized the importance of not overlooking any potential risks. They urged people to fasten down any loose items and objects that have the potential to turn into projectiles in a recent update on X.
Authorities in Honduras responsible for risk management report that the storm has affected over 110,000 individuals. Rescue teams evacuated approximately 8,000 people from their residences, and around 5,000 have been relocated to shelters.
On Sunday, ongoing rainfall across a significant portion of the country, particularly in the eastern and southern regions, disconnected communications for 1,700 local communities.
In Honduras, a key coffee-producing country in Central America, it is probable that certain coffee plantations in the low-lying coastal regions in the northeast and south may have suffered from the recent events. However, specific assessments of the extent of damage are not currently accessible.
Sara veered northwest over the weekend, eventually reaching neighboring Belize, known for its ancient ruins, beach resorts, and popular coral reefs among tourists, where it made landfall.
During a virtual press briefing held on Sunday, Ronald Gordon, the Chief Meteorologist of Belize, highlighted that Dangriga, a coastal town situated south of Belize City, received approximately 12 inches (30 cm) of rainfall. Gordon emphasized the potential threat of localized flooding in the area.
The Belizean government advised residents to conduct religious services virtually during the day and also declared the suspension of all schools for Monday as a preventive measure.
