President Bernardo Arevalo and its Council of Ministers issued the Decree 2 – 2024 which was published on July 8 in the Central American Diarywith which it is established state of public calamity throughout the Guatemalan territory.
According to the decree, the measure is taken due to the high rate of rainfall accumulation y Current soil saturation in the national territory.
Justifies that the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (Insivumeh) established that there is a assessment of the effects caused by the rains of the last weeks.
“The excess of the same has caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure in several points throughout the national territory; in addition, the rainfall has The soils have become saturated and the risk of events that might affect the rights of vulnerable populations has increased.”, the publication details.
The measure will be applied for 30 days from the effective date of the Decree, during which time “the full validity of the provisions may be limited.” constitutional rights recognized in articles 5 and 26 of the Political Constitution of the Republic of Guatemala, throughout the national territory,” it states.
He adds that “No person may be persecuted or harassed for his opinions or for acts that do not involve a violation of the law.”.
The measures established in the decree include: Restrictions on the right to free movement and circulation of vehicles in affected areas.
The evacuation of inhabitants in affected or endangered regions may also be ordered. Implement actions at the national, regional, departmental, municipal and local levels to prevent, mitigate and address damages resulting from rainfall.
Article 6 authorizes the Acquisition and contracting of goods and services for the Ministry of Communications, Infrastructure and Housing (CIV), Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food, Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance and the Executive Secretariat of the National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction.
It details that the “acquisitions and contracts made under the article will be carried out under the responsibility of the corresponding departmentsobserving parameters of transparency and publicity of the actions referred to, and only for damages and the effects caused by rain.”
You will also have to submit to the Congress of the republic a detailed report and measures adopted during the validity of the decree.
The Congress of the Republic is summoned to review the decision within a period of three days. decree to ratify itmodify it or disapprove it.
Rain damage
In the 2024 rainy season, it is reported 13 people dead4,020 at risk, 6,705 affected, 16,844 evacuated, 5 injured and 673 sheltered.
In addition, 333 homes have suffered severe damage, 5,721 moderate damage, 649 slight damage, and 665 at risk.
At least five bridges have been destroyed and 33 damaged. In addition, 433 roads have been damaged.
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