San Miguel Petapa mayor files injunction against Guatemala government over flooding

Mynor Morales, the mayor of San Miguel Petapa, has filed a legal injunction (amparo) before the Constitutional Court against Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo and various government ministries. The legal action follows severe flooding caused by the Pinula River, which has led to the collapse of numerous homes in the Villa Hermosa neighborhood.

The mayor is seeking economic compensation or relocation for families living in high-risk sectors. Morales attributed the increased river flow to construction licenses approved in neighboring municipalities. While the local administration has attempted mitigation efforts since 2020, the scale of the damage has exceeded municipal financial capacities.

During a recent visit to the affected area, the mayor faced protests and boos from residents who expressed dissatisfaction with the local government's response to the ongoing crisis.