National Emergency Management Organization

“Preserving Life and Property”

4:00 p.m. Friday, 18 TH AUGUST 2017

TROPICAL STORM HARVEY MOVING WESTWARD IN THE CARIBBEAN

ADVISORY NO. 1

The National Emergency Management Organization in collaboration with the National Meteorological Service hereby informs the general public that Tropical Storm Harvey is located near latitude 13.4North, and longitude 62.9 West or approximately 1, 700 miles east of Belize.  Harvey has sustained winds of 40 miles per hour (mph) and is moving to the West at 21 miles per hour. If it maintains its projected path over the next 3-4 days based on the forecast, the country could be affected by tropical storm or higher conditions sometime between Tuesday and Wednesday or thereafter. Over the next 3-4 days the only concern for Belize is Tropical Storm Harvey.

The public is hereby advised to make some preparations to protect life and property.  If you are at risk to bad weather and flooding make arrangements for the next week you will move away from the coast to higher grounds.  If you have to seek shelter next week, know which shelter you will go to. Prepare how you will reach to your shelter.  Check on family members and neighbors who may be in need of assistance. On the  current projection for TS Harvey, the window of opportunity to relocate from coastal areas will be next Monday evening August 21st, 2017.

During the weekend, if you don’t have plans to go to sea,  stay on the mainland. Start reviewing and implementing parts of your family, business emergency plan. Be prepared to put up shutters, fuel up your vehicle and generator.  If you can, put together at least 3 days supply of water and non- perishable food. Ensure you purchase only approved medication.  Essential services and Public Officers use the weekend to prepare your home and family in the event you are called out for emergency duties next week.

Enjoy your weekend but take precaution and start your preparations.  It is not expected that TS Harvey will affect the country over the weekend.   Stay calm, this is just an alert.

Drivers are always reminded to drive with extreme caution.

NEMO emergency coordinators can be reached as follows:

Corozal,  Mr.Williard Levy at 623 0237;

Orange Walk, Ms. Suliema Celiz at 605 5046, or Mr. Aragon at 636 6094;

Belize District, Mr. Lionel Tillett at 6154834 and Mr. Kevin Pollard at 621 2275;

San Pedro, Ms. Vanessa Parham at 632 3698;

Belize City, Ms. Timrose Augustine at 600 8672 or Councillor Willoughby at 630 9793;

Belmopan,  Ms. Clare Moody at 630 9791;

Cayo, Mr. Al Westby at 630 3224 or Mr. Johnny Ramclam at 625 2526;

Stann Creek, Mr. Keith Emmanuel at 615 9711; and

Toledo, Mr. Kenton Parham at 630 9787.

The NEMO Emergency Hotline is 936.  NEMO IS ON ALERT BUT NOT ACTIVATED.

The public is asked to pay attention to the official reports and advisories from the National Meteorological Service and NEMO.   Advisories will be sent out as the need arises.  All are encouraged to monitor TS Harvey.

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National Emergency Management Organization
“Preserving Life and Property”

ADVISORY NO. 7

6:00 A.M. TUESDAY 8TH AUGUST 2017

TROPICAL STORM FRANKLIN MAKES LAND FALL IN MEXICO

NEMO ISSUES the “ALL CLEAR”

The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) in collaboration with the National Meteorological Service hereby informs the general public that around 10:45 pm last night Tropical Storm Franklin made landfall with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, north of Chetumal near Pulticub, Mexico.

Tropical Storm Franklin was centered over the southeast Yucatan Peninsula near 19.3North Latitude and 88.5West Longitude or about 63 miles North West of Corozal Town. Franklin was moving to the West-North-West at 14 mph with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and gusts of 65mph. The minimum pressure is 998 milibars. Further weakening is expected as the center moves over land today.

A tropical storm warning has been discontinued for the coast of Belize from Belize City to the Corozal District. NEMO hereby issues the “All Clear” as Franklin is no longer a direct threat to the country. Information gathered from the District and City Emergency Committees there are no reports of injuries. A total of 330 persons took to shelters mainly in Corozal, on the Cayes, and in Belize City. Approximately 2, 157 persons voluntarily relocated from the islands to the mainland.

The general public is advised to stay alert for possibly flooding due to rainfall associated with the system as it moves slowly due northwest of the country over southern Mexico. Rainfall totals of 2-4 inches with isolated higher amounts are possible.

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National Emergency Management Organization
“Preserving Life and Property”

ADVISORY NO. 6
3:30 p.m. MONDAY, 7TH AUGUST 2017

TROPICAL STORM FRANKLIN

Tropical Storm Franklin continues to move to the West-North-West at 13 mph with maximum sustained winds of 60mph. Franklin is now located near 18.6 North Latitude and 85.9 West Longitude or some 170 miles East of Belize City and 143 miles East-Northeast of San Pedro. The Cayes and Corozal district may experience Tropical Storm force winds. Franklin could reach Hurricane strength before making landfall tonight. Three to six (3-6) inches of rainfall is expected. A tropical storm warning remains in effect from Belize City up to the Corozal District.

Designated Shelters will be opened in San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Belize City, Orange Walk and Corozal. NEMO will be providing a dry safe place to shelter so people are expected to bring along their own food and water.

• Bus runs continue from Belize City to northern, central and southern Belize. Bus runs will continue until 6 p.m. except for the north, the cut off time is now 5:00 p.m.

• Fishers from Saretenja bus will leave at 4:00 p.m.

• Belize City Swing Bridge will be Swung at 4:00 p.m.

• Six shelters will be open in the Corozal District as at 4:00 p.m.; Sarteneja R.C School, Chuox Community Center, Copper Bank Inn, Progresso R.C, Church of Christ and Guadalupe R.C.

• Water taxis are still providing service. The cut off time for water taxis is 4:30 p.m.

• Flight delays and cancellation will be sent out shortly.

Fuel stations in Belize City, Orange Walk, will remain open to the public during normal hours of operations and in Corozal Sol in Ranchito will be open throughout the night. Fuel station will close as follows: 6:00-One Stop Orange Walk; 7:00 p. m.-One Stop Belize Shell Ladyville Shell Xabel; 09:00 PM Shell San Ignacio, Shell Belmopan, Buca Belize. All will open on the All Clear.

Toledo District emergency Committee will suspend 24 hours operations and revert to standby mode.
The public is asked to remain vigilant, listen carefully to your radios and take actions based on the advice given by NEMO and the National Meteorological Service.

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National Emergency Management Organization

“Preserving Life and Property”

ADVISORY NO. 5

As at 10:00 A.M., MONDAY, 7^TH AUGUST 2017

TROPICAL STORM FRANKLIN

The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) in collaboration with the National Meteorological Service hereby informs the general public that Tropical Storm Franklin with maximum sustained winds of 60mph is now located near  17.7 North Latitude and 85.1W West Longitude or some 205 miles East of Belize City and 165 miles north east of  Half Moon Caye.   The barometric pressure is now at 999 milibars (mb).    Franklin  continues to move to the West-North-West at 14 mph.  The cayes and Corozal district can expect Tropical Storm force winds.     There is a possibility that Franklin could reach Hurricane strength just before making landfall this evening or tonight.   We can expect as much 3-6 inches of rainfall with possible higher amounts, gusty winds, and severe thunderstorms.   The forecast is for heavy rainfall over Belize which is likely to cause flash floods, particularly in the south.   Also expected is damage to properly built  structures, poorly constructed signs, radio/TV masts and antennas.  Minor pier damage disruption to transportation, water, electricity, and telephone can be expected.  We should also be prepared for some loss of livelihood, mudslides and rock falls.

A tropical storm warning remains in effect from Belize City up to the Corozal district.  Shelters will be opened in San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Belize City, Orange Walk and Corozal.  NEMO will be providing a dry safe place to shelter so people are expected to bring along their own food and water.      Bus runs continue from Belize City to northern, central and southern Belize.    Water taxis are still providing service.   The cut off time for water taxis is expected to be about 4 p.m.  An update will be provided before then.    Bus runs will continue until 6 p.m. except for the north, the cut off time is 3:00 p.m. today, all subject to change based on the situation.  Flight delays and cancellation will be sent out shortly.

The general public is advised to make the necessary arrangements to protect life and property.  At risk families are encouraged to voluntarily move away from the coast to weather the storm in a safe, dry place.   If you are exposed to bad weather conditions and flooding move to a shelter or higher grounds, with family or friends.   Check up on family members and neighbours who are in need of assistance.   Do not wait until it’s too late to take action.  People in those areas under a Tropical Storm Watch and Warning are strongly encouraged to put their family emergency plan into action.   Secure water and food,  loose objects, school books and uniforms in plastic.    Never underestimate a tropical cyclone due to its category or strength and where it’s projected to make landfall.  People in places like Gungulung, Afghanistan,   Belama and Vista del Mar, Port and Lake I  use your experiences from Hurricane Earl.

• Fishers and seagoing members of the public are urgently informed to seek or remain in safe harbor.  People on the cayes are encouraged to take the necessary actions to protect life and property.
• Farmers are encouraged to attend to their crops and animals to reduce losses.
• Drivers are urged to drive with extreme caution to avoid accidents due to slippery road conditions.

NEMO emergency coordinators can be reached as follows:

1. Corozal,  Mr.Williard Levy at 623 0237;
2. Orange Walk, Ms.SuliemaCeliz at 605 5046, or Mr. Aragon at 636 6094;
3. Belize District, Mr. Lionel Tillett at 6154834 and Mr. Kevin Pollard at 621 2275;
4. San Pedro, Ms. Vanessa Parham at 632 3698;
5. Belize City, Ms.Timrose Augustine at 600 8672, or Councillor Willoughby (BZCC) at 6309793
6. Belmopan,  Ms. Clare Moody at 630 9791;
7. Cayo, Mr. Al Westby at 630 3224 or Mr. Johnny Ramclam at 625 2526;
8. Stann Creek, Mr. Keith Emmanuel at 615 9711; and
9. Toledo, Mr. Kenton Parham at 630 9787.
10. The NEMO Emergency Hotline is 936.

The public is asked not to panic, listen carefully and take actions based on the advice given by NEMO and the  National Meteorological Service.

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