Alta Verapaz, Guatemala—Two people died Wednesday when a massive mudslide struck a residential area in Alta Verapaz. The collapse occurred following hours of persistent, heavy rainfall that saturated the steep hillside. The sudden movement of earth buried two homes, catching the occupants completely off guard.

Rescue teams were dispatched to the region but faced significant delays due to road damage caused by the same storm. Upon arrival, responders worked manually to clear the mud and debris in hopes of finding survivors. Unfortunately, the two victims were found deceased buried under the sediment.

Local disaster mitigation officials have raised the alarm level for the entire province. Several other hillsides in the area show signs of instability, prompting mandatory evacuations for vulnerable households. The regional government is setting up a temporary relief center in a nearby school.

Community members are assisting the rescue teams by using shovels and basic tools to clear pathways. The destruction has cut off electricity to parts of the village, further complicating the emergency response efforts. Many families are currently waiting for word on missing property and belongings.

Geologists have been requested to evaluate the soil composition and drainage issues in the vicinity. This is not the first time the region has faced such disasters, highlighting long-standing concerns regarding rural infrastructure. The governor has promised to provide financial aid for the funeral expenses of the deceased.

The recovery effort will remain the primary focus of the local authorities for the next forty-eight hours. Rain continues to fall, which poses a constant threat of secondary slides. The survivors are receiving supplies of food and clean water from the disaster relief fund.

Investigation into the incident will focus on whether the construction of the homes met local safety guidelines. For now, the priority remains the safety of the remaining population in the affected zone. The area remains under strict surveillance as the weather event persists.