Tropical Storm Amanda Raises Flood Concerns as It Moves Inland Over Central America
GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala — A rapidly intensifying tropical storm, Tropical Storm Amanda, made landfall along the Pacific coast of Central America this morning, prompting widespread flood warnings and emergency declarations across southern Guatemala and neighboring nations. According to the National Meteorological Service, the storm struck with maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour at approximately 8:30 AM local time near the town of Champerico. Authorities have issued alerts for heavy rainfall exceeding 200 millimeters over the next 48 hours, threatening communities in low-lying areas with flash flooding and landslides. Local officials report that emergency shelters are being activated, and residents in vulnerable coastal zones have been urged to evacuate inland. The storm is projected to weaken as it moves northwest, but forecasters caution that residual moisture could trigger severe weather across El Salvador and Honduras. No immediate casualties have been reported, though damage assessments are underway.