Tropical Storm Sara Triggers Widespread Flooding In Honduras, Thousands Seek Shelter

Tropical Storm Sara brought severe flooding and destruction to northern Honduras on Friday, forcing residents to wade through waist-deep waters as they evacuated their homes with belongings and pets. The storm, which continues to threaten Honduras, is expected to bring more heavy rain and dangerous conditions in the coming days.

Sara, currently located 35 miles southwest of Guanaja Island, has triggered life-threatening flash floods and mudslides across the region. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecasts that northern Honduras could receive between 15 and 25 inches of rain, with isolated areas possibly seeing up to 35 inches. Authorities warned that the storm’s impact could also threaten the nation’s coffee production, a crucial part of the Central American economy.

In response to the crisis, over 1,000 people have sought refuge in shelters as the Honduran government declared a national emergency. Jose Jorge Fortin, head of the nation’s risk management office, urged residents to avoid flood-prone areas, particularly those living near riverbanks, which are at higher risk of flooding and landslides.

With winds reaching 50 mph, Sara remains a powerful storm, though slight strengthening is possible if it stays offshore. It is expected to shift northwest toward Belize by Sunday, continuing its course toward other Central American nations and the southern Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The storm is forecast to dump heavy rain across Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Mexico, potentially exacerbating flooding in the region.