TROPICAL STORM PILAR MOVES AWAY FROM CENTRAL AMERICA

Tropical Storm Pilar moved away from Central America on October 31, 2023, after causing heavy rain and flooding in the region.

Pilar formed on October 29 in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of El Salvador. The storm intensified rapidly, reaching maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour.

Pilar made landfall in El Salvador on October 30, causing heavy rain and flooding. Authorities report at least two deaths and one missing person in El Salvador.

The storm also caused damage in Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In Guatemala, rains caused landslides that blocked roads and left thousands of people homeless. In Honduras, rains caused flooding that affected thousands of homes. In Nicaragua, the rains caused damage to infrastructure and crops.

On October 31, Pilar was about 600 kilometers east of Guatemala. The storm was moving northeast at a speed of 6 kilometers per hour.

According to the United States National Hurricane Center (NHC), Pilar will gradually weaken in the coming days. The storm is expected to become a tropical depression on November 1.

Storm impact

Tropical Storm Pilar had a significant impact on Central America. Heavy rains and flooding caused damage to infrastructure, homes and crops. They also caused the death of at least two people.

Aftermath of the storm

Authorities in Central America are assessing the damage caused by the storm. The economic impact of the storm is expected to be significant.

The storm has also highlighted the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events. Central America is a region prone to hurricanes, tropical storms and floods.

Precautions

Authorities in Central America have issued flood and landslide warnings. People who live in areas prone to these phenomena should take precautions.