Tropical Storm Sara has left over 1,700 communities in Honduras isolated due to extensive flooding.
The slow-moving storm has caused significant disruptions throughout the Central American nation.
While officials have reported only one fatality so far, more than 110,000 individuals have been impacted.
Forecasts indicate that Sara is expected to weaken on Monday as it approaches the southern Mexican state of Quintana Roo.
Formed in the Caribbean Sea on Thursday, Tropical Storm Sara has relentlessly dropped heavy rain on northern Honduras for an extended period before heading north towards Belize and Mexico.
Some regions recorded precipitation totals nearing 500mm (19.7 inches), leading to swollen rivers.
According to Honduran emergency services, nine bridges have been completely destroyed by swift waters, with another 19 sustaining damage.
Multiple highways have also become impassable due to landslides triggered by the storm’s heavy rains.
Honduran President Xiomara Castro had alerted residents living near rivers early in the storm’s progression, prompting thousands to evacuate to safer locations.
Reports indicate that more than 2,500 homes have sustained damage, with over 200 having been completely destroyed.
Sara marks the 18th named storm of this year’s Atlantic hurricane season and the third occurrence in the current month.
Just weeks prior, Hurricane Rafael caused widespread power outages across Cuba.
Meteorologists attribute the heightened intensity of storms to elevated sea surface temperatures.
Experts warn that while tropical storms and hurricanes are part of the natural climate cycle, human-induced climate change is intensifying their impact and increasing the likelihood of severe damage.
