Weekend Flash Floods Displace Families in Orange Walk

Torrential rains pounded the Orange Walk District over the weekend, dumping more than twenty inches of water and forcing families to flee their homes. In San Pablo Village, the floodwaters came fast and without warning—rushing through a creek and catching residents off guard. At least eight families took shelter in the community center, unsure of when they’ll be able to return home. This morning, many are still there, waiting and hoping. News Five’s Paul Lopez travelled north to see the damage firsthand. Here’s his report.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

This morning, a group of young boys flew a kite outside the San Pablo Community Center, making the most of the cool breeze and cloudy skies. But just days ago, that same center became their emergency shelter. On Friday night, a sudden flash flood forced their families out of their homes and into safety. One flood victim shared the terrifying moments when the water came rushing in.

 

Juan Pech, San Pablo Village Resident

“That moment is a really serious moment, because when I see that time, I cannot say nothing because that water come quick, quick, one minute or something so. That time you can see water like, I cant say like what happened so.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Where were you in the house?”

 

Juan Pech

“Yes, but that was big surprise, the kinds, the ladies in the home, everybody get frightened. And that time you cant go an pick up your things because you the try hustle, move fast and I lose everything.”

 

For one family in San Pablo, everything was lost—except what they could carry to the community center. It’s not much, but it’s shelter. A mattress on the floor, a roof overhead, and a place to rest. This morning, seven families were still taking refuge there, trying to piece together what’s next after Friday night’s devastating flash flood. Their stories are a powerful reminder of just how quickly life can change.

 

Juan Pech

“Nuh big things, but clothes and food and water, right here you can get it, lee bit by lee bit.”

 

Today, National Emergency Coordinator Daniel Mendez shared details on the work the organization is doing in the community to get these residents back on their feet.

 

Daniel Mendez, National Emergency Coordinator

“Today we are doing damage assessment. Damage assessment teams are out conducting damage assessments on areas that have been impacted to determine what happened. The relief and supplies committee have also been on the ground. They are doing follow up visit those affected families to ensure they continue to receive, food, water, hygiene, supplies and bedding. This support will continue for as long as necessary.”

Support for flood victims in San Pablo is coming from more than just government agencies. Caribbean International Brewery stepped up to do their part, delivering much-needed drinking water to families sheltering at the community center. It’s a small gesture with a big impact. Communication Director Fortunato Noble was on hand to make the donation, showing how corporate responsibility can make a real difference in times of crisis.

 

Fortunado Noble, Communications Director, CIB

“As part of Caribbean Organic’s policy in respect to being a corporate citizen we saw the need of these people in a lot of the media outlet, people need water. Although water is what caused them to need water, we have bottled purified water, which is a need. So we decided to donate purified water to fill that need.”

 

While donations like purified water help make life a little easier inside the shelter, what these families really want is to go home. But for some, like Arla Lopez, that return is nowhere in sight. Her home has been left uninhabitable, contaminated by septic waste after the flood. It’s a harsh reality for many who are still waiting, uncertain of when, or if, they’ll be able to rebuild.

 

Arla Lopez, Flood Victim

“My daughter told me, mom water in the house. I hurry up and put my daughter on the table. I moved fast and had no chance to save anything. My house is not appropriate, it is not good, nothing, nothing. My house is bad, everything in the bathroom, tuh tuh, it smell bad. I cant take my baby to this house.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Now, how long will you stay here?”

 

Arla Lopez

“I don’t know sir.”

 

The extent of the damage to some of their homes and personal belongings may mean an extended stay inside the shelter. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.