After Tropical Storm Nadine passed on October 19th, residents of San Pedro did not anticipate another weather system to impact the area in mid-November. While the hurricane season typically concludes at the end of the month, storms rarely form in November. However, this year was different, as Tropical Storm Sara emerged, bringing heavy rainfall and flooding to much of Belize, including the Cayes, over the weekend of November 17th. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) branch was activated to monitor the weather system. Shelters were set up, and the team remained on standby for any emergencies.
According to Vanessa Parham, the Belize Rural South District Emergency Coordinator, the San Pedro and Caye Caulker Emergency Operation Centers (EOC) were partially activated as the storm approached Belize. The team working alongside Parham included San Pedro Mayor Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nunez, San Pedro Town Councilors, Area Representative Honorable Andre Perez, members of various government departments, and dedicated volunteers. In Caye Caulker, the Assistant District Coordinator, Kristylane Wolfe, Chairlady Seleny Pott, Caye Caulker Village Council Councilors, EOC members, and volunteers coordinated the response efforts.
Parham said that regarding Tropical Storm Sara, the preparedness was a continuation of Hurricane Preparedness since the start of the hurricane season. “All NEMO Emergency Committees met and gave an updated report; I presented the state of preparedness and updated plan of action for Belize Rural South since the last activation of both Hurricane Beryl and Tropical Storm Nadine due to the uncertainty and unpredictable path of the approaching tropical storm,” Parham explained. “Planning for the opening of the shelters was important. All official NEMO advisories were immediately shared with the public on all available media platforms to remind them that we are still in the hurricane season.”
Joint efforts by police, Belize Coast Guard, and other EOC members
The San Pedro Police Formation conducted extra patrols to warn residents about the approaching storm. The community to the north was informed, and residents were advised to exercise caution. Belize Coast Guard officers patrolled the nearby areas around the Cayes, warning fishermen about the impending storm. Meanwhile, the San Pedro Town Council team worked to clear drains and spoke with people at construction sites, advising them to secure any debris that could become dangerous in high winds.
Preparations as the storm approached
On Saturday, the 16th, both islands’ EOCs were fully activated. Team members conducted assessments to warn residents about the incoming storm, particularly in low-lying flood-prone areas. Heavy rainfall was recorded on that day. Parham mentioned that plans to open shelters were discussed during meetings that included the Mayor, the Commander of the San Pedro Police Formation, Senior Superintendent Alejandro Cowo, the Officer in Charge of the San Pedro Fire Service, Orin Smith, Dr. Joshua Canul, and Public Health Inspector Zane Bradley from the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II.
Parham noted that her team analyzed each official advisory from the NEMO central branch and updated the public on the development of Tropical Storm Sara. “During updates, we also warned the community of the situation and advised on the best practices in anticipation of flooded waters on our islands. The residents were also informed on the safety measures and items that must be taken if they should seek shelter,” Parham continued.
As the storm churned towards Belize, Sagebrush Church and St. John Paul Youth Center opened their doors to the public, providing shelter for those especially vulnerable to flooding. A few residents chose to seek safety at Sagebrush Church during the storm, while no one went to the St. John Paul Youth Center or the Caye Caulker Roman Catholic School.
The tropical storm entered the country over southern Belize on Sunday, November 17th. The rains decreased on the Cayes as most of the storms were concentrated in the southern part of the country. Following the weather system, no major incidents were reported on the Cayes. “There were no major incidents that had occurred and there was no need for search and rescue efforts,” Parham reported. “There were, however, flooded areas in the subdivisions of San Pedrito, DFC, San Mateo, and the roads up north and south of San Pedro. additionally, the road to the Secret Beach area was impassable.” Caye Caulker reported no major incidents.
The EOC remained active until Sunday, when the NEMO central branch declared the official ‘All Clear.’ As a result, the EOCs in San Pedro and Caye Caulker were officially deactivated.
Parham and her team thanked everyone who volunteered their time for the islanders’ safety. “I am beyond appreciative of their support. They are all the true heroes of our emergency committees for NEMO Belize Rural South,” Parham said. “I thank them for their selfless passion, commitment, dedication, civic pride, and love to serve our community and country.”
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