Giant Sinkholes Swallow Parts of Guatemala City

A Triple Whammy for Guatemala City

At least 178 people have been killed and many others reported missing as a result of flooding, mudslides and landslides triggered by torrential rains from tropical storm Agatha, and compounded by the huge amount of volcanic ash from Pacaya volcano eruption, as giant sinkholes swallow parts of Guatemala City.

A giant sinkhole caused by the torrential rains from TS Agatha swallows a section of Guatemala City May 31, 2010. Source: Casa Presidencial handout (via Reuters).

Flooding has destroyed as many as 18 major road bridges and up to 60 smaller footbridges throughout the country, hampering aid efforts.

Flooding in Retalhuleu, Guatemala, caused by Tropical Storm Agatha  May 30, 2010. Source: Casa Presidencial handout (via Reuters).

“We’ve gone several days now without aid from the government and we don’t have enough water and food,” said a caller to Guatemalan radio from the town of Huehuetenango in the western highlands.

“At least 152 people were killed in Guatemala, either crushed in their homes or swept away by swollen rivers, and 100 others were missing, according to the government. Twelve people were killed in El Salvador and 14 in Honduras.” A report said.

Coffee trees in Guatemala could be severely affected as a result of the rain. And FEWW Moderators forecast more adverse weather and conditions in the region …

Related Links:

• 2010 Disasters