Tropical Storm Amanda Leaves Trail of Destruction Across Central America
GUATEMALA CITY — What: Tropical Storm Amanda has unleashed devastating floods and landslides across Central America, leaving at least 26 people dead and thousands displaced, according to regional disaster agencies. When: The storm made landfall late Sunday and continued through Monday, causing widespread damage. Where: The hardest-hit areas include southern Guatemala, eastern Belize, and the northern coast of Honduras, with reports of severe flooding in the capital of Guatemala City. Why: The storm, fueled by warm Pacific waters, rapidly intensified before moving inland, overwhelming drainage systems and triggering mudslides in mountainous regions. How: Emergency responders are conducting search-and-rescue operations as rivers overflow, with authorities warning that the death toll could rise as isolated communities remain cut off by damaged roads and collapsed bridges. Tropical Storm Amanda has weakened into a tropical depression but continues to dump heavy rain, raising concerns for further landslides in the coming days.