Debris Flow — Central Interior, Puerto Rico

2007-10-25 · Central Interior, Puerto Rico

Event narrative

A landslide along road PR-14, at Barrio Asomante, 100 Muros Sector in the Aibonito municipality was responsible for the death of two persons, and injuries to another two, as they drove a Ford F-150 extra cabin near km. 44.8, when a large landslide of rocks fell on the vehicle, as they drove towards Coamo municipality.

Wider weather episode

A 1006 millibar low pressure area centered southwest of the Mona passage and its associated bands of clouds, showers and thunderstorms affected Puerto Rico during the period from October 25-29. Ground conditions which were saturated due to antecedent rainfall, resulted in landslides. These became more widespread as the event unfolded, in addition river flooding and some people in shelters were reported in at least 12 municipalities in Puerto Rico. Rainfall was significant, but it was spread over several days. According to local newspaper, an estimated 20,000 people island wide were left without electricity, while another 48,000 Aqueduct and Sewer Authority clients lost water service. This low pressure eventually became Tropical Storm Noel when it was located near Haiti's south coast.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 64343. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.