Guatemala: Garbage and waste in Las Vacas River increasing flood risk

Garbage and waste from Guatemala City is blocking parts of Las Vacas river, increasing the risk of flooding and the spread of disease.

Coordinadora Nacional para la Reducción de Desastres de Guatemala (CONRED), say that waste, which includes garbage and sewage from the city of Guatemala, accumulates in the Las Vacas River and the situation is now so severe it is considered to be a worrying flood hazard. It is also a source of infection for the spread of diarrhea, respiratory and skin diseases that are common in the rainy season.