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Tropical Storm Amanda lashes in Guatemala

By August 4, 2020Stories

Guatemala is facing an unprecedented emergency on top of the pandemic, as 779,900 Guatemalans have been affected by tropical storms. People living in high-risk areas sought refuge in municipal or government-run shelters after being forced to leave their homes. The winds damaged houses, knocked down trees, triggered flash floods and landslides in many areas. The governments’ National Coordination for Disaster Reduction, transit police, soldiers, and community individuals have worked together to rescue desperate people. Guatemalan officials have warned that heavy rain would continue, with swollen rivers and possible landslides affecting highways and flooding in coastal areas. We pray this heavy rainy season does not spread the virus as, in emergency cases, people leave their homes with no protection and no possibility of social distancing.