ADVISORY NO. 6

FLOODING IN CENTRAL BELIZE
As of 6:00 PM Thursday, 13th October 2022

In the west, as the Mopan River is receding where it passes Benque Viejo, Succotz, Calla Creek, Bullet Tree Falls, and Paslow Falls, communities along the Sibun and Belize rivers are experiencing flood conditions. The floodwaters are also receding as it passes through Blackman Eddy, Roaring River, La Rivera area, and More Tomorrow but are rising in the Belize River Valley pushing more floodwaters into the Belize District. It is possible that this will continue for the next three to four days and possibly longer. Residents in these areas are advised to prepare for a possible major flood event.

Bridges and ferries that are closed are Gracie Rock Hammock Bridge, Iguana Creek Bridge, San Ignacio Wooden Bridge, the Xunantunich and the Baking Pot ferries. The Santa Familia/Branch Mouth and Calla Creek roads are now accessible after the new culverts were installed and the road repaired. The ATM Cave bridge was washed away. The Hopkins/Sittee River bypass road is impassable. Access to Monkey River Town by road is by high vehicles only.

One hundred and eleven (111) persons are now in five (5) shelters in the Cayo District. Shelters remain opened in Calla Creek, El Progresso 7 miles and Belmopan. The Relief and Supplies Committee distributed water to residents of La Rivera and provided humanitarian assistance to families that were in urgent need in the Calla Creek and 7 miles communities. The water truck distributed drinking water to residents of Bullet Tree today.

The Ministry of Health & Wellness is conducting water quality tests throughout the flood zones. Reports indicate that some children and adults are coming down with fever in Calla Creek, Cayo. Doctors are assessing to verify the cause. An increase in mosquitoes and vector-borne threats is anticipated.

NEMO continues to advise the public of the following: If you live near to a river, creek or low-lying area, take the necessary actions to save your life. Avoid walking, playing and driving through floodwaters. If your home is likely to flood, before leaving, secure your home, unplug appliances, turn off electricity, gas and main water valve, secure your documents and your pet. Check on the elderly and people with disabilities. If you need to seek shelter, move early; do not wait until it is too late. Farmers in the Belize River Valley and Crooked Tree areas should move livestock and crops to a safe place. Residents are advised to secure and move their belongings, livestock and pets to higher grounds. Move early!

The public is advised to wash hands thoroughly before touching food and handling water. In flooded areas, boil or purify water before drinking it. As much as possible, use bottled water for drinking and preparing and cooking food or treat with bleach (Clorox); add one (1) tablespoon of bleach to five (5) gallons of water. Mix the bleach and water completely and leave to stand for 30 minutes before using or treat with water purification tablets according to directions on the package. Store one (1) gallon per day for each person in your home for drinking and cooking.

The public is advised to stay away from downed power lines.

NEMO's emergency hotline is 936. Continue to take necessary actions to save life and protect property!