PAMPLONA, Spain Central America is a region especially vulnerable to natural phenomena such as hurricanes. Since many countries of this region have important agricultural sectors, natural disasters may bring main economic activities to a standstill. Already dealing with high poverty rates, the region was affected in November when two category four hurricanes hit the countries in a period of two weeks. The heavy rainfalls and floodings worsened Central America’s situation, which has been already affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and political instability.
The Catastrophe Caused by Hurricanes Eta and Iota
Hurricane Eta occurred on November 3, generating heavy rains, flooding and landslides. In the affected countries, Guatemala and Honduras, more than 250 inhabitants lost their lives. Approximately two weeks later, Hurricane Iota hit the region. Both hurricanes challenged the population, destroying houses and infrastructure and causing hunger as they flooded many agricultural fiel