Villa Hermosa faces emergency as Pinula River flooding threatens hundreds of homes

Assessments conducted by Guatemala's National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) have identified a significant emergency in Villa Hermosa, San Miguel Petapa, caused by the rising Pinula River. Recent Damage and Needs Assessments (EDAN) in sectors II and IV report that 116 homes have sustained severe damage, while another 499 are considered at risk.

In total, 2,763 people are currently in a condition of risk due to the flooding and soil erosion. The situation is exacerbated by heavy rains that have caused the river to undermine the ground, threatening several homes and the structural integrity of the Pinula Bridge. This bridge serves as a vital transit route connecting Villa Hermosa to the Álamos neighborhood, Boca del Monte, and Guatemala City.

Teams from 15 different institutions, including the National Civil Police and the Ministry of Defense, participated in the evaluations to coordinate emergency responses and prioritize resident safety. While shelters have been established at the municipal hall and the San Antonio dome, authorities noted that no residents had moved into these facilities at the time of the report.