In the early hours, heavy rainfall led to a massive landslide in the town of Santa Catarina Pinula, located just outside Guatemala City. The landslide resulted in homes being buried under several feet of mud, with entire families trapped within. Rescue teams rushed to the scene as soon as the news broke, facing significant difficulties due to ongoing rains and unstable ground conditions. Eyewitness reports described the terrifying moments when the ground gave way, and people screamed for help as they struggled to escape. Government officials declared a national emergency in response to this disaster and mobilized military units to assist in search efforts.

As the search for survivors continued, the grim reality of the situation became apparent. Emergency services worked tirelessly, but the overwhelming scale of the disaster only worsened as days progressed; the rain did not cease, and the risk of further landslides loomed. The loss of life was devastating, with families left grieving for their loved ones. Makeshift shelters were set up for those who survived but were left homeless, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the area.

This tragedy raised concerns over deforestation and land-use practices in Guatemala and emphasized the need for improved infrastructure and emergency preparedness. It caught the attention of international aid organizations, which offered support and assistance to the affected communities. The government and citizens rallied together in recovery efforts, leading to discussions about preventative measures against such natural disasters in the future.