Landslides, mudslides, and one death: Intense rains batter Guatemala City

Heavy rains lashed Guatemala City on Monday, June 22, triggering a series of emergencies including deadly flash floods, landslides, and significant infrastructure damage.

The most tragic incident occurred in the Santa Elena 2 neighborhood, zone 18, where a 13-year-old boy was fatally swept away by floodwaters. Emergency responders attempted resuscitation after finding him in a drainage ditch, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

In zone 5, a substantial landslide damaged several homes and necessitated the evacuation of residents. The mudslide caused structural damage to properties situated below the slope and affected utility lines. Fortunately, no residents were reported trapped, though some remained on-site fearing looting.

Further disruptions included a landslide on the route to Canalitos in zone 24, which blocked traffic until municipal crews cleared the debris. Fallen trees and widespread flooding, carrying large amounts of garbage, were also reported in various parts of the capital. The Metropolitan Transit Regulatory Authority confirmed ongoing efforts to clear roads and urged residents to report incidents.

Nationally, Guatemala's disaster reduction coordinator (Conred) has responded to 560 emergencies affecting over 9,000 people during the current rainy season. The department of Alta Verapaz has recorded the highest number of incidents. In the past 24 hours, Conred addressed emergencies in Alta Verapaz and Quetzaltenango, separate from the capital's events. Authorities continue to warn the public against crossing swollen rivers.

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