Tropical Storm Stan, a category 1 hurricane with winds of 130km/hr has bought heavy rain to Central America triggering severe landslides and flooding. Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Mexico have all been affected. 100s are missing and rescue attempts are searching for survivors. The death toll already stands at 254 and is expected to rise significantly. Landslides and swollen rivers are making rescue attempts dfficult and some communities have been completely cut off with no access by road and telephone communication down. In Guatemala, it is believed that 50 people in one town alone were killed by a large mudslide and officials in a number of countries affected fear more tragedies due to the saturated nature of the ground which may well lead to further landsliding. Whilst mass evacuations have taken place, there are also concerns by many of lack of food, clothes and basic food for survivors.

Article Entry - 4th-8th October 2005

Follow up Resources:

Storm kills 39 in Central America (BBC News)

Hurricane Strikes Mexican Coast (BBC News)

In Pictures - Central American Storm (BBC News)

Rescuers Struggle in the Wake of Stan (BBC News)

Hundreds Missing after Stan Storm (BBC News)

New Mudslides in Guatemala Mountains Kills 40 (Reuters)