In a tragic incident in the Guatemalan capital, at least 18 people, including 10 children, have been reported missing after a sewage-polluted river, swollen by heavy rains, swept away flimsy homes.
The incident occurred when a tributary of the Las Vacas river washed away six homes in an informal settlement beneath a bridge in Guatemala City.
Despite a municipal ban due to the presence of residential wastewater, hundreds of people had constructed homes using zinc sheets along the tributary’s banks.
Heavy rains on Sunday led to the river carrying stones, soil, and human waste through the settlement, leaving devastation in its wake.
Authorities have launched a search and rescue operation while assessing the needs of the affected community.
Residents have recounted the terrifying moment when the river engulfed their homes and neighbors’ belongings, causing people to disappear.
“The river took entire families,” added Marvin Cabrera, 36, a motorcycle food delivery agent.
“We knew the risk, (but) we are here out of necessity,” he added.
