Flood Control

President Nasry Asfura announced plans to expand and modernize Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport and carry out major river-dredging and levee work to reduce flooding in San Pedro Sula.

The Infrastructure Ministry officially took over the El Tablón multipurpose project from the national utility, which aims to generate electricity, supply water, and control flooding while ensuring continuity of technical, administrative, and contracting work.

Karim Qubain, president of the Cortés Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIC), expressed concern that a redesign of engineering studies for the El Tablón Dam could delay the project further, arguing that the Sula Valley cannot afford more postponement given its vulnerability to climate change.

After more than a decade of failed promises, authorities have begun repairing the Danto River containment wall in western La Ceiba, a three-month project of retaining walls, riprap, and gabions to protect about ten flood-prone neighborhoods.

Of 32 dike and flood-control projects underway across the Sula Valley ahead of the rainy season, only six are finished, 26 are roughly half-done, and several have not started, with the Infrastructure Ministry estimating completion in July.

Honduras is conducting laboratory testing on soil and rock samples from dyke-reconstruction projects in the Sula Valley to ensure materials can withstand flooding and river swelling, with tests including soil classification, permeability, and structural-load capacity.