03/19/2024

National Emergency Management Organization

" Preserving Life and Property"

Orange Walk

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The Orange Walk District Emergency Plan has been formulated to address all natural, man-made or technological hazards that affect the district. The plan incorporates the lessons learned from past emergencies, new methods of emergency management and the inputs of Government of Belize officials, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations and private enterprise.

The Orange Walk District Emergency Committee is the legal body charged with coordinating action during an emergency. It is composed of twelve operational sub-committees staffed by persons with proven experience in responding to emergencies. The twelve operational sub-committees have various plans of action that compliment each other in order to achieve NEMO’s goal of ‘Preserving Life and Property’.

Vulnerable Communities

The New River that originates at the foothills of Lamanai,flows eastward towards the Caribbean Sea. During heavy rains this waterway may flood the Northern Highway at the toll bridge area, the Louisiana Area in Orange Walk Town, as well as the Banquitas Bridge and along the Northern banks of the village of San Estevan.

The Rio Hondo River may cause intense flooding to the villages of San Antonio, San Roman and Douglas. During severe flooding persons living in Douglas must evacuate.The river recedes very slowly.

Damage to sugar cane plantation, other agricultural crops and livestock due to the flooding of these rivers is sometimes severe.

Activities of the District Emergency Coordinator

Coordinate the resources necessary to restore ‘normalcy’ after an emergency.

  • Conduct monthly meetings of emergency managers throughout the district.
  • Coordinate and guide training activities for public officers, schools and youth groups.
  • Solicit voluntary assistance from members of the community before and after an emergency.
  • Identify strengths and weaknesses in the ‘Emergency Action’ Plans for Orange Walk.
  • Maintain public awareness of local emergency management activities.

NEMO District Coordinator
Mr. Juan Leiva
Tel: +501-322-3228
Emergency Cellular: +501-614-7177
Fax: +501-322-3585
Email:ow_coordinator@nemo.org.bz