Guatemala: Storm Eta causes severe flooding and forces evacuation of residents in Izabal

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Thousands of residents of Morales and Puerto Barrios, in the department of Izabal, have been affected by the flooding following Tropical Storm Eta in eastern Guatemala.

Residents were filmed on Thursday and Friday walking through the flooded streets as dozens moved into a local church which had been turned into a temporary shelter. The country's authorities have declared a state of emergency in the area, and have sent planes with aid.

"We are being badly affected, our plantations were also lost and here we are just protecting our lives," explained Marta Lidia Enriquez, a resident.

So far, shelters have been set up in the most affected areas and can receive almost 2,000 people.

"They are being monitored and we are coordinating the situation but it is complicated for us because there are overflowing rivers and we have difficulty communicating with these communities," said Roberto Recinos, a regional delegate of the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction.

Due to the rains, the Motagua River has exceeded its flood warning level by five meters. More than 10,000 people living in the area are at risk of possible flooding.

The impact of Tropical Storm Eta has affected some 75,000 people in Guatemala. According to the government, eight people have died so far and 18 have disappeared.
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