The Facts
A flash flood and a landslide in Guatemala's capital early Monday caused a river to burst its banks, killing at least six people. Initial reports suggest 15 others, including minors, could be missing.
Waters from the swollen Naranjo River swept away at least six homes in the town of Dios es Fiel, according to Guatemala's National Coordination for Disaster Reduction agency.
The Spin
Narrative A
Plastic pollution is choking Guatemala's rivers. The Motagua River, the country's largest watercourse, reportedly carries almost 8.5K tonnes of waste every year. Until the mess is cleaned up and the trash cleared upstream, roaring waters will continue to breach the banks, particularly during the rainy season, leading to such tragedies.
Narrative B
While Guatemala is Central America's largest economy, more than half of its population lives below the poverty line — and often in places prone to natural disasters. To avoid similar tragedies, the government must address the country's housing shortage that leads to the mushrooming of shantytowns.
