Heavy rains have caused landslides in Central and South America. At least 18 people have died and many are still missing. Mexico and the US state of Texas are also preparing for heavy rains.
At least 18 people have died in Central and South America in severe storms and the resulting landslides. In particularly affected El Salvador, at least eleven people died, according to the civil protection agency of the smallest Central American country.
In the South American country of Ecuador, police reported seven dead, 20 missing and 16 injured as a result of landslides. Since the weekend, heavy rains have also caused flooding and mudslides in Guatemala, Honduras and southeastern Mexico. In El Salvador, the government declared a national emergency. According to the Interior Ministry, around 880 people were taken to emergency shelters there.
Hurricane season has begun
Meteorologists are monitoring the possible formation of the first tropical cyclone of the season in the Gulf of Mexico. According to the US Hurricane Center in Miami, the system is expected to cause heavy rain and coastal flooding in northeastern Mexico and the US state of Texas today.
The hurricane season in the Atlantic lasts from June 1 to November 30. According to the US weather agency NOAA, it is likely to be more severe than average this year. The reasons include high water temperatures in the Atlantic and the expected onset of “La Niña”, a phase of cooler water temperatures in the Pacific.