According to a special Insivumeh bulletin shared this Wednesday, June 10, saturation levels equal to or greater than 90% are reported in municipalities of seven departments.
Saturation is recorded in Alta Verapaz, Chiquimula, El Progreso, Huehuetenango, Izabal, Petén and Quiché.
These conditions reflect the accumulation of humidity derived from the rains recorded in recent days and increase the probability of emergencies associated with the rainy season, the information added.
The Insivumeh analysis identifies critical saturation in the municipalities of Senahú, in Alta Verapaz; Esquipulas and Olopa, in Chiquimula; San Agustín Acasaguastlán, in El Progreso; and Barillas and San Mateo Ixtatán, in Huehuetenango.
Also in Los Amates, in Izabal; Las Cruces, in Petén; and Chajul, Nebaj and Uspantán, in Quiché.
In these areas, the soil has a high accumulation of moisture in the surface layer, which limits its ability to absorb new precipitation.
“When soils reach these saturation levels, their capacity to infiltrate more water decreases, which causes rain to drain more quickly into rivers, streams and streams,” explained Insivumeh.
He warned that this situation can favor the occurrence of floods and river flooding, in addition to increasing susceptibility to landslides, landslides or mud flows.
For its part, the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction recommends that the population stay informed through official sources, develop a family response plan, identify evacuation routes in their communities, not cross swollen rivers and heed the instructions of local authorities.
According to forecasts, Tropical Storm Cristina could increase rains in Guatemala starting this Thursday, June 11.
In the last few hours, Insivumeh and Conred have reported damage to homes due to the rains and strong waves in three departments.
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