Around half of the 1,079 bridges in Guatemala are at risk, and their vulnerability only increases during rainy season, according to a study by the government's road agency COVIAL. ''There are 367 bridges on Central American routes, and 166 on national roads'' that could fail, and ''leave the country incommunicado,'' because they lead to Mexico, El Salvador and Honduras, and the ones leading to the Caribbean and Pacific ports are also crucial, COVIAL director Angel Cabrera told Tierramérica.

One of the problems detected is that the bridges were built for the type of cargo being transported more than 20 years ago, he said.

During rainy season — already under way — the rivers carry great quantities of sediment and waste, including dead trees, which damage bridge structures.

''We have only limited funds for maintenance,'' including for the 14 bridges at greatest risk of collapse, said Cabrera.