As Tropical Storm Pilar approached, authorities in El Salvador reported two fatalities related to strong winds and precipitation. On Monday, nations in Central America prepared for the storm.
The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) reports that Pilar, with gusts as high as 80 kilometers per hour (50 miles per hour), is predicted to reach landfall on Tuesday and pose a threat to the Pacific coast regions of Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and El Salvador as a whole.
“Further strengthening is expected during the next day or so, and Pilar could be near hurricane strength on Tuesday,” the NHC said, warning of heavy rainfall, flash flooding and dangerous swells in the storm’s path.
El Salvador declared a state of emergency Sunday, as heavy rains began lashing the coast, allowing for the activation of emergency services and funding for disaster response.
About 200 kilometers south of San Salvador, the capital, authorities reported that a 24-year-old man and a 57-year-old woman had perished after being carried away by powerful river currents.
An 18-year-old guy was reported missing on a beach in the La Libertad county, 40 km south of the city, according to civil protection official Fermin Perez.
With 6.6 million people living there, almost 90% of El Salvador’s land is susceptible to earthquakes, landslides, and flooding.
Around the nation, 120 shelters have been established by civil protection officials.
Tropical Storm Julia struck El Salvador last year, leaving ten people dead and millions of dollars in damages.
