Message:
Belize recovering from adverse floods after heavy rains caused rivers in southern and northern Belize to crest their banks
Event:
Tropical Strom Arthur, formed on Saturday afternoon May 31, 2008 and immediately made landfall in northern Belize on the Yucatan Peninsula. Before becoming the first storm of the Atlantic Hurricane Season Tropical Storm Arthur was Tropical Storm Alma which developed in the Eastern Pacific on May 27. TS Alma and Arthur dumped approximately 15 inches of rain over the last 60 hours across Belize causing flooding in low lying areas.
Prognosis:
As of June 3rd the remnants of Arthur continue to produce rain over parts of Belize and Guatemala. Redevelopment of this system is not expected but the associated heavy rains could cause life-threatening flash floods and mud slides especially in mountainous terrain during the next couple of days as it moves away from Belize. Flood warning remains in effect for the southern and northern districts of Belize.
Impact:
The heavy rains over the last 60 hours have caused the rivers in the northern districts - Corozal, Orange Walk, Belize and the southern district of Stann Creek to crest their banks and result in the following:
- Four (4) fatalities confirmed (1 adult and 3 minors), and three (3) persons missing
- Three (3) major bridges completely destroyed on the Southern highway and the Coastal road (Kendal, Mullins River & Soldier Creek)
- A number of culverts on the Hummingbird highway were washed away, resulting in a 20ft gap in one section of the highway.
- A number of houses destroyed, damaged or submerged.
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) Secretariat has indicated that the most seriously affected areas in the Stann Creek District are:
- Sittee River Village - 300 persons
- Hope Creek Village - 400 persons
- Sarwee Village - 250 persons
- Mullins River Village - 50 Persons
- Gales Point Village - 400 persons
- Valley Community - 75 Persons
- Hopkins Village - 200 persons
There are approximately 1,000 persons seriously affected in the Orange Walk District of which 184 persons are in need of assistance.
Economic Impact:
NEMO has identified three areas that will be seriously impacted by the recent floods:
- The agricultural industry - especially the rice crops
- The Oil industry - due to the destruction of key bridges on the Southern Highway
- The Tourism industry
Actions by NEMO Belize:
NEMO conducted an aerial reconnaissance on Monday 2nd June at 3:00 p.m. in order to ascertain the extent of the damage across the country. Initial Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis were undertaken yesterday and this confirmed significant damage.
NEMO Committee Chairs Meet:
Three (3) meetings of the NEMO National Committee Chairs were held over the last 3 days. The fourth meeting will be held today, Tuesday 3rd June at 8:00 a.m. at the NEMO Headquarters. Major areas for discussion are:
- Assessment of needs
- Refocusing NEMO efforts from recovery to relief
- Follow up assessment
The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and the District EOCs in the affected areas continue to be activated.
Relief Operations:
NEMO has been providing relief supplies to all the affected areas using the maritime assets from the Belize Defence Force, the Belize Coast Guard and the British Forces Helicopter to access those communities that are inaccessible by road.
NEMO has also prepositioned containers of foodstuff at strategic locations across the country. The objective is to have access to relief supplies within two (2) hours from any affected area.
Mobile Medical teams were deployed this morning (3/6/08) to the affected areas in order to provide assistance to the victims and to give advice on health related issues.
Utility Helicopter Support:
The Mexican government provided two (2) Utility helicopters on Tuesday 3rd June to assist NEMO with distributing relief supplies to the affected areas. The helicopters are expected to commence operation by 11:00 a.m. today (3/6/08).
Shelters:
A total of fourteen (14) Shelters remain open countrywide to accommodate approximately 469 evacuees from the Belize, Orange Walk and Stann Creek Districts.
Evacuation of Residents:
A number of Coast Guard Vessels are strategically stationed in the villages of Gales Point Manatee, Mullins River and Sittee River to provide a quick evacuation if required, for residents who have chosen to remain in the affected areas.
Needs:
NEMO has identified the following initial needs that can be met locally:
- Food and water (including Baby food)
- Limited medical supplies
- Children clothing
- Pampers
Future Operations
NEMO is closely monitoring the Monkey River Town in the south and the Belize River Valley in the north which are traditionally flood areas after this type of event.
Actions by Coordinating Unit:
CDERA has remained in contact with the affected state and continue to provide information to its partners.
This is still considered as a Level 1 event, which means that the situation is managed at the national level. It is recognized that the potential exists for an upgrade of this level once further assessment is undertaken on damage to the south and any increase in flooding in the north.
CDERA will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as appropriate.
Contact Details: the CDERA CU 24Hr contact number is 246-425-0386
Bldg. #1, Manor Lodge Complex, Lodge
Hill
St. Michael, Barbados, West Indies
Tel: (246) 425-0386 Fax: (246) 425-8854
E-mail: cdera@caribsurf.com URL: http://www.cdera.org