He National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (Insivumeh) warned that the Rains expected for Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12 will be influenced by a low pressure system and the passage of an easterly wavewhat could aggravate the collapse situation occurred in the kilometer 24.5 of the highway to El Salvador.
According to the Insivumeh Meteorological Research and Services Departmentthe combination of both phenomena could intensify soil saturation in unstable areas of the country.
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Possible effects of rain on the landslide
He geologist Jorge Girónof the Science Research Institute of the Mariano Gálvez University (UMG) and of Guatemala Seismological Serviceexplained that the ground conditions remain critical.
“It will continue to rain and the water will fall in large quantities, which will saturate the ground faster and cause new landslides, even if they are smaller,”
Jorge Girón, geologist
Girón added that the affected land presents areas of lateral weakness that could be reactivated with constant humidity.
“Old cracks, from 20, 30 or even 50 years ago, could open again due to groundwater seepage,” he said.
Jorge Giron
The expert recommended carrying out evaluations towards the sides of the affected areaespecially during brief periods of dryness, to identify new areas with landslide potential.
He also recalled that this area is especially sensitive, since it is part of the Pinula fault complexso it requires a risk opinion before carrying out any type of construction.
Pass remains closed
The passage through kilometer 24.5 of the CA-1 Oriente route, highway to El Salvador, continue closed due to the two landslides occurred already soil saturationwhich will be maintained for the rain forecasts for the next few days.
He geologist Jorge Girón explained that, unfortunately, For now it is not possible to carry out major interventions in the affected area.
“It is advisable to wait until the rainy season ends and, approximately 15 days after the end of winter, begin field visits, prepare technical proposals, carry out evaluations and opinions, and subsequently begin the construction of protection works to stabilize the land.”
Jorge Giron
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The first collapse: search suspended for safety
He first collapse occurred the early morning of Monday, October 6 in it kilometer 24 of the highway to El Salvadorbetween Fraijanes and Villa Canalescovering the four lanes of the road.
From the first day, the rescue teams began the search for Virgilio Pérez Antonwho worked as guardian of the affected property. The authorities do not rule out that it has been buried under rubblebut the persistent rains they forced temporarily suspend the search for protect rescuers.
Second landslide: two soldiers were injured
He Thursday, October 9, a second landslide was recorded in it kilometer 24.6 of the CA-1 Orientewhere two soldiers of the Humanitarian Rescue Brigade of the Guatemalan Army were left trapped while they were carrying out cleaning work, reported the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (Conred).
Both soldiers were rescued alive and transferred to Military Medical Centerwhere report stable with minor injuries.
Cause of the CAS collapse: what is known so far
He President Bernardo Arévalo declared the October 7 that he landslide at kilometer 24.6 was direct consequence of a work executed without a license or technical study.
Arévalo highlighted that this type of incident shows the importance of respecting regulations for interventions in risk areas.
For his part, the director of Insivumeh, Edwin Rojasexplained that the country faces a abnormal weather situation caused by two low pressure systemswhich increases the possibility of new slides in different regions of the country.
According to the first indications, a gas station and a shopping center were being built at that point, a project that did not have the corresponding licenses or environmental impact studies issued by the competent authorities.
Land Owner and Responsibilities
The Municipality of Fraijanes identified as owner of the affected land in it kilometer 24.5 of the highway to El Salvador to César Érick Rolando Winter Chenwho appears in the cadastral record as the owner of a farm of 3,700 square meters in the area.
Said municipality indicated that they will file a criminal complaint with the Public Prosecutor’s Office against Winter Chen, but they will also proceed through administrative channels. In this case, the Municipal Code establishes a fine of up to Q500 thousand.
For her part, the executive secretary of the Conred, Claudine Ogaldesreported that the owner of the work must take responsibility for mitigation actions and collaborate with local authorities in the persistent risk assessment.