# Flooding and water risks in Guatemala and Central America

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/heavy-rainfall-and-flooding-in-guatemala
> Updated: 2026-10-09T20:04:37.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 3.

Heavy rainfall and tropical waves continue to trigger widespread flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage across Central America. In Guatemala, authorities have reported numerous emergencies, including landslides, fallen trees, and structural collapses. Recent fatalities have been reported in the department of Quiché, where a landslide in the Joyabaj municipality resulted in the deaths of two minors. Other significant incidents include road blockages in Sololá and El Progreso, and river overflows in Quetzaltenango.

In San Miguel Petapa, the overflowing Pinula River has created a critical situation in the Villa Hermosa sectors. According to the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (Conred), approximately 2,763 people are at risk. Evaluations indicate that 116 homes have sustained severe damage, while 499 others remain in vulnerable conditions. Authorities are currently working to contain erosion in the riverbed to protect local infrastructure.

In the Santa María-Santiaguito volcanic complex, rain continues to mobilize ash and debris, causing lahars in the Nimá I and Tambor rivers. Urban areas like Guatemala City, Mixco, and San Miguel Petapa face ongoing risks from sinkholes, collapsed drainage systems, and rising rivers undermining property foundations.

In Honduras, the impact of tropical waves has intensified. In the Cortés department, at least 246 families have been affected, including 282 flooded homes in San Pedro Sula. A tragic incident in Santa Bárbara resulted in the deaths of a father and daughter who were swept away by a swollen creek. In El Salvador, persistent rains have caused urban flooding and fallen trees, prompting Civil Protection to monitor high-risk areas due to soil saturation.

## Claims

- The Los Laureles reservoir reached 28.89% of its capacity. (disputed by 4 sources)
- The La Concepción reservoir remains in critical condition, staying below 25% capacity. (disputed by 4 sources)
- The Los Laureles reservoir has reached 58.33% capacity. (disputed by 2 sources)
- The La Concepción reservoir is at 29.90% capacity. (disputed by 2 sources)
- The cloud seeding plan aims for a total of 20 aerial operations. (disputed)
- About 400 families in San José de Comayagua, Honduras, were isolated for more than 20 days due to flooding. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Authorities in El Salvador are monitoring risks of flooding and fallen trees due to soil saturation. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Six rivers in two coastal provinces of Ecuador have overflowed due to intense rains. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Flooding affected 282 homes in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Two people died after being swept away by a swollen creek in Santa Bárbara, Honduras. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Two tropical waves are expected to bring weak to moderate rainfall to Nicaragua. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-09: Guatemala faces fatal landslides and flooding from heavy rains

Heavy rains in Guatemala have caused fatal landslides and widespread flooding, leaving over 2,700 people at risk in San Miguel Petapa due to the overflowing Pinula River.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guatemala-faces-fatal-landslides-and-flooding-from-heavy-rains

### 2026-10-04: Central America faces severe weather as rains cause fatalities and flooding

Heavy rains and tropical waves are causing flooding, fatalities, and isolation in Honduras, while El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua face increased risks of landslides and continued precipitation.

23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/heavy-rains-trigger-flooding-and-emergencies-in-central-america

### 2026-09-23: Guatemala volcanic lahars triggered by heavy rainfall

Heavy rains in Guatemala have triggered lahars in the Santa María-Santiaguito volcanic complex, affecting tributaries of the Samalá River and threatening local transit routes.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/guatemala-volcanic-lahars-triggered-by-heavy-rainfall

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Cite as: Flooding and water risks in Guatemala and Central America. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/heavy-rainfall-and-flooding-in-guatemala