Guatemala, Rio Dulce – Flooding on the river

Thunderstorms and flooding on the Rio Dulce

I know we are in the rainforest, but does it have to rain so much.  The temperatures here are well over 30’C and the humidity ranges between 70-90%.

It is usually clear during the day, so the humans do their best to get work done in the heat, but at night time thunderstorms move in often bringing short bursts of torrential rains.

Recently we had some bad storms pass through and one huge one hung out a little too long dumping a tremendous amount rain into the area.

August 7, 2015By Jody Aston, Editor

Torrential rain in the early morning hours of August 6 resulted in extensive damage to Rio Dulce’s neighboring town of El Estor and several small villages along the shores of Lago Izabal. The Rio Sumach overflowed and caused major flooding, especially in the villages of Sumach and Punta Caimán. The Tunico Bridge also collapsed under the strain of floodwaters and debris from the deforested areas along Rio Sumach.

Guatemala’s governing office for such disasters, CONRED (translated as the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction of Guatemala), responded to the emergency and evacuated over 600 people from Sumach. Their latest Twitter feed, (roughly translated) states that over 1000 people have been affected by the flooding, with moderate damage to 58 homes, although evaluations and assessments are still being conducted. It appears that 3 people have disappeared, and another 5 people from one family are also missing.

The Rio Dulce community quickly joined together in relief efforts and obtained donations and supplies that were delivered to the displaced persons in the affected areas. More supplies still are desperately needed. Several Rio Dulce businesses are spearheading the operation and accepting cash donations, bagged or bottled water, dried non-perishable food, canned goods, bedding, pots and pans for cooking, first aid supplies, and adult and children’s clothing. If you can help with any of these items, deliver them to the following drop-off points: Tijax Marina, Backpackers Hotel, Ram Marina, Pass It On organization on sv Haleiva, Mar Marine, Bruno’s Marina, or the Mayor’s office at the Municipal Building. A big round of applause and gratitude goes out to them for their generous efforts thus far.

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One of the families that works in Tortugal Marina has lost everything.  The owners, fellow staff and the few boat owners present on their boats have all pitch in what ever they can.

If you would like to read more I understand there are lots of pictures on Facebook.

Birthday Boy

I do not want to leave the blog on a depressing note, so I thought I would throw in that I also celebrated my fourth birthday on August the 9th.

The humans still call me ‘baby dog’ because they claim I have never grown up.

Just to prove to my audience that I have in fact ‘matured’ here are a few baby photos to make you smile.  Wasn’t I cute?

But we all do not stay kids for long.

I had to grow up faster then most dogs because by the age of 10 months they were off dragging me out to sea.

First they were dragging me down the south coast of England and then off to far flung places and new adventures.

Then finally off to the Caribbean.

I can not believe I have not jumped ship yet after travelling for over 3 years with the humans.  Forget birthday presents….I deserve a medal for putting up with them this long!