Tropical Storm Sara is approaching Belize, bringing heavy rainfall that poses a flood risk to low-lying areas nationwide. A tropical storm warning is in effect for Belize and the Cayes. Currently, the storm is hovering near the coast of Honduras, moving west at four miles per hour with maximum sustained winds of 45 miles per hour. The forecast predicts Sara will land in southern Belize on Sunday, November 17th, with maximum winds of 50 miles per hour and higher gusts. In San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye, the inclement weather has resulted in heavy rainfall that has flooded streets and neighborhoods and contributed to beach erosion.
The latest advisory from the National Emergency Management Organization stated that data from Middle Caye suggests that over 15 inches of rainfall have fallen since midday Thursday, November 14th. Other maximum rainfall totals from different stations across the country have been reported as around four to eight inches of rain. The Honorable Andre Perez, Minister of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management, said that the island’s NEMO team is on call monitoring the weather. Perez said that around 650 persons voluntarily left the island for the mainland. “The message here is to hunker down; we want to emphasize the importance of everyone’s safety,” Perez said. “We are following reports as well on the flooding affecting our residents in northern Ambergris Caye.” The minister said his team also focuses on the Cayo District in western Belize, where large rivers flow. He added that the southern part of the country is another great interest as the storm is expected to land there.
Current rainfall in San Pedro is estimated to be around five inches, while Caye Caulker has received approximately three inches. Many residents across the San Pedro subdivisions report flooded yards and nearby streets, some wholly submerged, except for the downtown area. Concerned residents have told The Sun that the new roads in these surrounding subdivisions urgently need a drainage system.
Many business establishments, such as restaurants and stores, remain open; however, public transportation services, including water taxis, have suspended operations as of midday. The country’s leading airlines, Tropic Air and Maya Island Air also halted their flights for the day. Several flights departed from the island en route to Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA). Around midday, many passengers were seen inside one airline’s terminal waiting for updates on the status of local flights. The PGIA was expected to close by 2 PM.
As of 1 PM, the rain has slowed in San Pedro, but more rain is anticipated later this afternoon and into the evening. The country is currently in Phase 3 – Red Two of the National Hurricane Plan. We advise those in the tourism sector to keep their visitors and guests informed about the status of Tropical Storm Sara and to activate their emergency plans.
Residents are advised to keep monitoring the tropical storm and to stay updated with official information from national authorities and the National Meteorological Service of Belize. All NEMO district emergency operations centers across the country remain on alert. For assistance, you can reach NEMO’s hotline at 936. In San Pedro, contact Vanessa Parham at 614-5865. For those in Caye Caulker, please get in touch with Kristylane Wolfe at 611-6603 if you need any assistance. Shelters in San Pedro for those needing to evacuate their home will open at 3PM.
