Tropical Storm Sara (2024): A Comprehensive Retrospective
Formation and Meteorological History
Tropical Storm Sara originated from a broad area of low pressure in the southwestern Caribbean Sea in early November 2024. It was designated as a tropical depression on November 7 and strengthened into a tropical storm on November 8. Sara reached its peak intensity on November 9 with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 991 mbar. The storm moved northeastward, brushing Haiti's Tiburon Peninsula before making landfall in Maisí, Cuba, on November 9. It then accelerated into the North Atlantic, transitioning into an extratropical cyclone on November 11. However, a second distinct system—also named Sara—formed in the western Caribbean on November 14, making landfall near the Honduras-Nicaragua border with winds of 45 mph (85 km/h) and causing catastrophic rainfall. This second system dissipated over the Gulf of Mexico on November 18.
Impact and Damages
Sara caused widespread devastation across Central America and the Caribbean. In Honduras, over 247,000 people were affected, with 6 fatalities and extensive damage to 5,020 homes. Infrastructure suffered severely: 31 bridges damaged, 11 destroyed; 59 roads damaged, 5 destroyed; 976 water supply systems damaged, 83 destroyed; and 50 health centers damaged. Belize reported 123,276 affected, with localized flooding and no casualties. Guatemala saw over 180,000 affected, with red and orange alerts issued. El Salvador experienced 9 river overflows, flooding 91 homes and forcing 800 into shelters. Costa Rica and Panama also faced heavy rains and evacuations. In the Caribbean, Sara caused 209 fatalities and $480 million in damage (2024 USD), affecting Jamaica, Hispaniola, Cuba, The Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Government Response and Relief Efforts
National authorities in affected countries activated emergency protocols. In Honduras, the government declared alerts and mobilized humanitarian networks. The IFRC launched a DREF operation (MDRHN024) to address flooding. Belizean officials and UN teams prepared for landfall. In Guatemala, red and orange alerts were issued. International organizations, including OCHA and ECHO, coordinated relief efforts, providing shelter, water, sanitation, and health services. The U.S. and other donors provided financial and logistical support. Despite these efforts, recovery was hampered by damaged infrastructure and cut-off communities.
Tropical Storm Sara (2024): A Comprehensive Retrospective
Formation and Meteorological History
Tropical Storm Sara originated from a broad area of low pressure in the southwestern Caribbean Sea in early November 2024. It was designated as a tropical depression on November 7 and strengthened into a tropical storm on November 8. Sara reached its peak intensity on November 9 with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 991 mbar. The storm moved northeastward, brushing Haiti's Tiburon Peninsula before making landfall in Maisí, Cuba, on November 9. It then accelerated into the North Atlantic, transitioning into an extratropical cyclone on November 11. However, a second distinct system—also named Sara—formed in the western Caribbean on November 14, making landfall near the Honduras-Nicaragua border with winds of 45 mph (85 km/h) and causing catastrophic rainfall. This second system dissipated over the Gulf of Mexico on November 18.
Impact and Damages
Sara caused widespread devastation across Central America and the Caribbean. In Honduras, over 247,000 people were affected, with 6 fatalities and extensive damage to 5,020 homes. Infrastructure suffered severely: 31 bridges damaged, 11 destroyed; 59 roads damaged, 5 destroyed; 976 water supply systems damaged, 83 destroyed; and 50 health centers damaged. Belize reported 123,276 affected, with localized flooding and no casualties. Guatemala saw over 180,000 affected, with red and orange alerts issued. El Salvador experienced 9 river overflows, flooding 91 homes and forcing 800 into shelters. Costa Rica and Panama also faced heavy rains and evacuations. In the Caribbean, Sara caused 209 fatalities and $480 million in damage (2024 USD), affecting Jamaica, Hispaniola, Cuba, The Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Government Response and Relief Efforts
National authorities in affected countries activated emergency protocols. In Honduras, the government declared alerts and mobilized humanitarian networks. The IFRC launched a DREF operation (MDRHN024) to address flooding. Belizean officials and UN teams prepared for landfall. In Guatemala, red and orange alerts were issued. International organizations, including OCHA and ECHO, coordinated relief efforts, providing shelter, water, sanitation, and health services. The U.S. and other donors provided financial and logistical support. Despite these efforts, recovery was hampered by damaged infrastructure and cut-off communities.