'Threat to life' from tropical storm as widespread flooding hits Honduras

4 days ago 8

Heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Sara has caused widespread flooding along the northern coast of Honduras.

More than 1,000 people have fled their homes to shelters, with the government declaring a national emergency and residents urged to avoid at-risk areas in the Central American country.

Some trudged through waist-deep water along streets as they carried their belongings and pets.

Between 15 and 25 inches of rain is expected to hit the north in the next few days, with up to 35 inches in places, according to weather forecasters.

The storm was churning near the Caribbean coast, close to beach resorts and ancient Maya ruins which are popular with tourists.

National head of risk management Jose Jorge Fort said people living near riverbanks were especially vulnerable to floods and landslides.

The storm, packing winds of 50mph, will likely lead to "life-threatening and potentially catastrophic flash flooding and mudslides", the US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said.

Sara could also hit coffee production in Honduras which is Central America's top producer.

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After Sara leaves the country, it is expected to dump 5-15 inches of rain across parts of Belize, El Salvador, eastern Guatemala, western Nicaragua and the southern Mexican state of Quintana Roo, said the NHC.

It will likely move to the northwest, towards Belize, starting on Sunday.