A strong storm accompanied by hail surprised neighbors and drivers in Mixco this Saturday afternoon, where the intense rains caused storm surges, flooding and complications in transit on the Inter-American route. During the emergency, a vehicle was swept away by the force of the water in zone 1 of the municipality.
The incident occurred at kilometer 17 of the Inter-American Highway, in the jurisdiction of Mixco, where Volunteer Firefighters received emergency calls warning about a car trapped in a current generated by heavy rains.
According to Víctor Gómez, spokesperson for the Volunteer Firefighters, elements of the 22nd Company were deployed to the scene, who later requested support from lifeguards from the 2nd Company to attend to the emergency.
Subsequently, they coordinated with the Municipal Traffic Police (PMT) of Mixco to protect the area and prevent new accidents due to the accumulation of water and adverse weather conditions.
Complicated traffic on the Inter-American Highway
lThe rains also generated severe complications in vehicular mobility. Drivers reported slow traffic and long lines of vehicles between kilometers 16 and 19 of the Inter-American route, while at some moments the passage was practically stopped due to the currents that descended through different sectors.
In addition, users on social networks shared videos that show the intensity of the storm and the fall of hail in various points of Mixco, including sectors of Ciudad San Cristóbal.
Neighbors indicated that the hail hit roofs of homes, vehicles and metal structures, while the accumulation of water caused difficulties for driving on streets and avenues.
Authorities call for extreme precautions
Given the weather conditions, the relief forces recommended avoiding crossing flooded streets, passes with currents or sectors where water accumulates quickly.
They also asked to reduce speed when driving, maintain a safe distance between vehicles and be alert to any emergency arising from the rains, especially on roads with slopes or areas prone to flooding.
The authorities recalled that a current can easily sweep away vehicles and motorcycles, so they insisted on not trying to cross flooded areas.
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