Official Sources:
Hurricane Laura
Multiple Countries (Update)
On 25 August 2020, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NOAA) reported that Hurricane Laura is moving northwest across the southeastern Gulf of Mexico and it is expected to strengthen into a major hurricane by tomorrow night. To date, the Civil Protection of Haiti, reported that 198 families were affected in Sud’Est and l’Ouest departments; in addition, the number of deaths increased to 21 since yesterday’s report. Media reported 447 homes have flooded and the water level of the Artibonite River continues to rise. The Emergency Operations Center in the Dominican Republic updated its situation report: 9,670 persons were evacuated (an increase of 715 persons since yesterday) and 1,934 homes were affected. The report indicates that 16,586 users do not have access to electricity and 782,748 users were left without water supply. Media reported in Cuba that more than 1,000 homes were affected and did not have access to electricity; 316,000 persons were evacuated to a family member’s home. The United States Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reported that in Texas, mandatory and voluntary evacuations were in place for 3 counties, and there are shelters in San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas. In Los Angeles, California, there are 6 shelters and mandatory evacuations were in place for 18 parishes. Currently, COVID testing sites are inoperable until the storm passes; staff are preparing to conduct COVID testing in shelters. The reports are available in English, French, and Spanish at: NOAA, Haiti Civil, Prensa Latina, COE_No5, Cubanet Noticias, and FEMA Daily Operations Briefing.
Severe Weather
Colombia
On 25 August 2020, the District Mayor of Barrancabermeja, Santander Department, Colombia, reported heavy rain affected the areas of Bendición de Dios, Pozo Siete, and Brisas del Poblado over the weekend. The Mayor issued humanitarian assistance to 258 families from the affected areas. Media reported more than 2,000 persons were affected in various sectors of Puerto Petrolero due to heavy rain. The reports are available in Spanish at: Alcaldia distrital and bluradio Noticias.
Guatemala
On 24 August 2020, the Guatemala National Coordinator for the Reduction of Disasters (CONRED) reported heavy rain over the weekend in the following departments: Petén, Alta Verapaz, and Quiché. Landslides occurred in Route 7-W in the town of Sacapulas, Quiché, affecting 3,000 persons who pass through the area. In the Sayaxché and La Libertad municipalities, Petén, 228 persons and 38 homes were affected by floods. The report is available in Spanish at: CONRED.
