A. Situation Analysis
Description of the disaster
The municipality of Sayaxché in the Petén department had experienced heavy rains since May 2015 as reported by the National Risk Reduction Coordinating (CONRED). In June 2015, oxidation ponds of an oil producer in the area overflowed, contaminating the La Pasión River. Results of the first water samples taken by the Toxicology Laboratory at the University of San Carlos in Guatemala were obtained on 10 June, which indicated the presence of an organophosphorus pesticide (M alathion). This has decimated th e fish p opulation as well as othe r aquatic animal species in the ecosystem, and it is considered the most ser ious environmental problem of its kind in the national territory.
On 12 June, the governor of Petén declared a n orange alert for the entire department. The same day, the mayor of Sayaxché declared a re d alert. These alerts are still in place in order to prioritize emergency actions.
As a precautionary measure authorities have prohibited the use and consumption of water from the river. Therefore, people need drinking water since that 48 per cent of families get their water supply directly from the Pasión River.
According to the latest CONRED report, (as of 30 June) there are: 22 affected communities, 14,827 people at risk and 12,017 people affected.