Janice R. Andrews
A devastating tropical storm has severed access to more than 1,700 villages across Honduras, unleashing torrential downpours that reached 500mm. Storm Sara’s lingering presence has triggered severe flooding and landslides, claiming one life and affecting over 110,000 people.
The storm’s destruction has crippled critical infrastructure, with nine bridges demolished and 19 others compromised. Emergency responders face mounting challenges as landslides block major highways, hampering relief efforts to isolated communities.
Following evacuation warnings from President Xiomara Castro, thousands fled their riverside homes. The storm’s fury has left more than 2,500 residences damaged and over 200 completely destroyed.
Sara, which emerged from the Caribbean Sea last Thursday, marks the season’s 18th named Atlantic storm. After battering northern Honduras for four days, it’s now advancing toward Belize and Mexico’s Quintana Roo state, where it’s expected to lose strength.
Scientists link the increasing ferocity of storms like Sara to climate change-induced warming of ocean surfaces.
