Guascorán River rising isolates 12 communities in Valle

Rising water levels in the Guascorán River have isolated approximately 12 communities in the Costa de los Amates region of the Valle department. While the river has not overflowed its banks, a flow increase of about half a meter has submerged the ford used by locals for transit.

Juan José Reyes, head of Early Warning for the Permanent Contingency Commission (Copeco), attributed the rise to heavy rainfall over the last week in the mountainous areas of La Paz and Valle, as well as in El Salvador, where the river originates. The increased flow is noted as a sign of the river recovering from a severe drought that had previously reduced its volume by 60 percent.

Authorities have warned that crossing the ford is dangerous, particularly for cyclists and motorcyclists, due to the strength of the current. Copeco is monitoring the river and tides, as the Guascorán empties into the Pacific Ocean, and high tides could hinder water drainage. Officials noted that the construction of a bridge would be the definitive solution to prevent future isolation.