Among the emergencies addressed, which closed on the 5th, were landslides, mudslides, and damage to bridges, seeking to maintain traffic, ensure connectivity, and ensure the safety of Guatemalan residents, the official Diario de Centroamerica reported.

It detailed that Roads responded to 63 landslides or mudslides, 15 landslides, 15 bridge emergencies for major damage, nine miscellaneous emergencies (such as fallen trees and partial collapses), and eight due to undermining.

He described important works as the replacement of the Santiago Bridge’s decks in Zacapa, as well as the response to landslides on the CA-09 Norte highway, a key route between the capital city and El Rancho, El Progreso department.

The Ministry of Public Works, with 14 zones created for such responses, stated that these not only allow for immediate emergency work, but also prevent the interruption of vehicular traffic and preserve the functioning of the roads.

However, road problems in the country are a matter of constant concern, especially due to the deterioration of infrastructure, lack of investment in maintenance, and poor quality of construction.

All of this, in the midst of the current rainy season (May-November), seismic events, among other events, hampers mobility and increases risks, according to local experts on the subject.

jdt/oda /znc