Schools closed and shelters activated in El Salvador

In response to the threat, El Salvador's Ministry of Education has ordered the closure of all schools for Tuesday and Wednesday to protect students from potential landslides, flash floods, and other storm-related hazards. Additionally, emergency authorities have activated 180 shelters across the country to accommodate residents affected by the anticipated downpours.

Warnings issued across the region

Precautionary measures are being implemented throughout neighboring countries as well. Guatemala is anticipating the most severe rainfall along its coastline, central highlands, and eastern valleys. Meanwhile, authorities in Nicaragua have urged coastal populations to evacuate inland due to intensifying rains, and Honduras has issued formal weather alerts spanning nine of its regions.

Storm expected to bring heavy rain and flooding

According to the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Tropical Storm Cristina is currently moving northward at approximately 6 kph, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kph. The system is projected to dump 10 to 20 cm of rain across the region, with isolated totals reaching up to 30 cm in certain coastal areas of Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. Meteorologists warn that these accumulations present a high risk of triggering life-threatening mudslides and severe flooding.