FLOODING IN SOUTHERN BELIZE- ADVISORY #2

National Emergency Management Organization

“Preserving Life and Property”

ADVISORY  #2 

 FLOODING IN SOUTHERN BELIZE   

SUNDAY, 2^ND JULY 2017, as at 6:00 p.m.      

Update:  Few showers and isolated thunderstorms will continue over the south tonight. Conditions are expected to improve tomorrow with showers and thunderstorms becoming isolated.   Communities in the Stann Creek District that are prone to flash flood must be on the alert as the North and South Stann Creek rivers are rising fast.    A flash flood warning is in effect for and has been issued to villages of Sarawee and Hope Creek.  Shelters will be opened in Sarawee and Hope Creek to assist those residents who need a dry, safe place to shelter until the water recedes.  The Stann Creek District Command Centre was activated at 4p.m. today   The Hon. Frank ‘Pawpa’ Mena chaired the Stann Creek District Emergency Committee meeting, reviewed the situation and initiated their plan of action.

In Toledo the road in Jacinto is now open to traffic.    The water in Big Falls has risen fifteen (15) feet above normal.  In Crique Sarco eight (8) homes are still affected by flood waters, however  the river is cresting.   In Aguacate the water is four (4) feet over the bridge.   Golden Stream is  six (6) feet above normal and  not rising,  in  Bladden the water is three (3) feet above normal and not rising,  in Blue Creek the river is four (4) feet above the bridge and receding slowly, and in San Felipe the road remains closed.  The Toledo District Command Centre is monitoring and coordinating their response.    The concerns remain localized flooding of low-lying communities and flash flood near rivers and streams.

People in central, coastal and southern Belize are advised to make the necessary arrangements to protect life and property.   If you are at risk to flooding be prepared to move to higher grounds before nightfall, with family or friends or to a community shelter and check on family members and neighbours who might be in need of assistance.

• Saving your life and property are first and foremost your responsibility.
• All motorists are asked to drive with extreme care and to put on your low beam and hazard signal 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. Suliema Celiz 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;  and Belize City Council Liaison Officer to NEMO, Councillor Willoughby 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. You can also get updates at hydromet.gov.bz and nemo.org.bz

The public is asked to pay close attention official reports and advisories coming out of NEMO and the Met Service.  Stay alert.  Do not listen to rumours.

:-End of Release:-