Over the past days, heavy rains have poured across Belize as Category 4 Hurricane Eta barreled into Nicaragua on Tuesday, November 4th. The heavy storms have caused flooding on the mainland, triggering persons living in vulnerable areas to evacuate. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, it has rained unceasingly, flooding streets in most downtown subdivisions. However, no emergencies have been reported, and members of the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) continue monitoring low lying residential areas around the island prone to flooding.
More rain is expected through the weekend as Eta moves northward over the Nicaraguan mountains, Honduras, before emerging off the coast of Belize. It is expected to be Tropical Depression Eta by the time it reaches Belize on Friday, November 6th.
According to NEMO District Emergency Coordinator for Belize Rural South, Vanessa Parham, there are no infrastructural damage reports to homes. “We caution residents to stay at home,” said Parham. “We have search and rescue teams on standby.” NEMO personnel are on high alert and continue to patrol areas such as San Mateo, which could be affected by the heavy rains. In the meantime, anyone concerned about their safety is advised to seek shelters with family as shelters have not been open as yet. Also, for any emergency, Parham can be contacted at 614-5865, and the NEMO office phone number is 226-4821.
Flood Warning for Central and Southern Belize
NEMO issued an advisory about a flood warning in Cayo, Belize, Stann Creek, and Toledo districts. According to the advisory, the Mopan, Macal, and Belize rivers are rising fast, and communities along these rivers are hereby being notified that people must be on high alert and take action to save lives and property. Areas and or communities that are at risk to or are experiencing flooding include Gales Point, Mullins River Village, Hope Creek, Sarawee, Sittee River, Monkey River, Bella Vista, San Pedro Colombia, Big Falls, Santa Teresa, Blue Creek, San Benito Poite, Crique Sarco, Sundaywood, and Conejo Creek. It is expected that other communities will experience flooding due to an increase in water running off the mountains and hills. Everyone is advised that if they live along rivers and streams to relocate to higher grounds. NEMO urged an early evacuation to those who think their homes are likely to flood during the night.
When Eta’s remnants reach Belize as a Tropical Depression on Friday, it is expected to produce between 30 to 40 inches of rainfall through Monday, November 9th.
