Benita Keme-Palacio - Greater Belize Media

Flash Flood Alert Issued for Areas in Belize District

A Flash Flood Alert is now in effect for the Maskall area in Belize District and surrounding watersheds off the Eastern Slopes of the Mayan Mountains. In an official Flood Forecast, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Petroleum, and Mining urged residents to “closely monitor waterways and take caution.”

The Ministry’s Flood Forecast warns of elevated river levels over the next 24 hours. Above-normal levels are expected on the Rio Hondo at Blue Creek North, Santa Cruz, and San Antonio, with near-normal levels downstream at San Roman and Douglas.

Increased levels are expected on the Mopan River at Benque Viejo Town and above normal levels at San Ignacio on the Macal River, though below the low-level bridge. The Belize River at Double Run will have above-normal levels, while Crooked Tree Lagoon levels are expected to stay below the causeway.

The Sibun River at Freetown Sibun will experience bankfull stages and increasing levels on the Southern Lagoon at Gales Point Village. Watersheds on the Eastern Slopes of the Mayan Mountains and rivers like the Sittee, Monkey, and Deep Rivers will also see above-normal levels.

Above-normal levels are anticipated on the Sarstoon River.

Residents in these areas should stay alert for potential flooding.

Juvenile Bull Shark Found Dead in Belize City

A male juvenile bull shark was found dead near Seashore Park in Belize City this afternoon. The Ministry of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management reported that the Fisheries Department – Belize responded promptly to retrieve the shark.

“Initial inspection revealed attack marks on the shark’s body,” the Ministry stated. “The public is reminded that the shark season remains closed until the end of October. Any illegal activities must be reported to the Belize Fisheries Department,” the Ministry Added.

Wet da Wet! Carnival Road March this Saturday

The first week of Belize’s September festivities unveiled a tantalising preview of Saturday’s Carnival Road March, with Carnival Mas Bands showcasing just a taste of what’s to come. If you think you’ve seen it all, think again. This year’s carnival promises an explosion of vibrant colours, high-energy performances, and extravagant costumes.

However, attendees are advised to prepare for possible rain. Chief Meteorologist Ronald Gordon has reported that a tropical wave is expected to affect Belize. Although Gordon reassured the public that there are no tropical storm or hurricane warnings in effect, he warned of heavy rain and thunderstorms starting tonight: “There is a potential for excessive rainfall tonight and tomorrow. Decreasing on Saturday. So the good news for the activities on Saturday is that the rainfall will not be as heavy,” he stated.

So, hold on to your umbrellas for Belize’s annual carnival experience, rain or shine! Here’s a rundown of more activities for the coming weekend:

Belize City:

September 6: Street Fete at Marion Jones Sporting Complex, 9 PM – PAID
September 7: Carnival J’ouvert, starting at Belcan Bridge and winding through the principal streets of Belize City, 4 AM – FREE
September 7: Carnival Road March, beginning at Memorial Park, proceeding up Marine Parade, onto Barrack Road, then Princess Margaret Drive, and ending at Marion Jones Sporting Complex, 1 PM – FREE
September 8: 5th Martin’s Community Fest at Mahogany Street, 10 AM – FREE
September 8: National Day of Prayer and Ecumenical Service at Fordyce Chapel, SJC, 6 PM

Belmopan:

September 7: Food and Beer Fest at Independence Park, 5 PM
September 8: National Day of Prayer and Ecumenical Service at Independence Plaza, 9 AM

San Ignacio & Santa Elena:

September 6: Senior Citizen’s Day at Octavia Waight Centre, 11 AM
September 8: National Day of Prayer and Ecumenical Service

Benque Viejo:

September 8: National Day of Prayer and Ecumenical Service

Orange Walk:

September 8: National Day of Prayer and Ecumenical Service

Corozal:

September 8: National Day of Prayer and Ecumenical Service

San Pedro:

September 8: National Day of Prayer and Ecumenical Service

Dangriga:

September 8: National Day of Prayer and Ecumenical Service

Punta Gorda:

September 9: Fire Engine Parade through the principal streets of Punta Gorda, 7 PM

Belize Faces Rainy Carnival Weekend with Showers and Thunderstorms on the Way

As carnival celebrations take place this weekend, the National Meteorological Service of Belize warns of mostly cloudy conditions with outbreaks of showers, thunderstorms, and periods of rain. An excessive rainfall watch is in effect, with potential impacts over the next few days.

Additionally, the National Hurricane Center also reports on several tropical systems:

Northwest Gulf of Mexico: A trough is bringing widespread disorganised showers and thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall is anticipated along the northern Gulf Coast, with only a 10 percent chance of further development.
Northwestern Atlantic: A low-pressure system east of North Carolina could acquire subtropical characteristics. However, development is unlikely once it encounters cooler waters by late Saturday, with a 20 percent chance of further growth.
Eastern Tropical Atlantic: A broad low-pressure area is producing disorganised activity. Some slow development is possible as it drifts northwest, with a 10 percent chance through the next few days.
Western Caribbean Sea: A tropical wave is increasing shower and thunderstorm activity. While significant development is unlikely before reaching Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula, there is a 30 percent chance of development once it moves into the southwestern Gulf of Mexico.

The National Meteorological Service of Belize will be hosting a press conference this afternoon to provide updates.

NEAC Sets Conditions for Solar and Ecotourism Projects, Protects Mangroves

The Department of the Environment (DOE) announced key decisions on three major projects, highlighting a strong commitment to environmental protection. According to an official statement from the DOE, the National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC) has set important conditions to ensure that development does not come at the expense of Belize’s natural heritage.

For Fortis Belize Limited’s Chalillo Solar PV Facility, the NEAC required a revised Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and a second public consultation. “An updated EIA report is to be resubmitted and a second public consultation is to be held,” the DOE stated.

The MW Collective’s Crawl Caye project received approval with strict conditions, including mangrove preservation and the removal of a helipad. A decommissioning plan for an existing solar farm was also mandated. “The environmental clearance be granted to the MW Collective with strict conditions,” the DOE stated, adding “the verification of the mangrove cover to be maintained and legally declared into a private reserve.” “NEAC also recommended that a decommissioning plan be incorporated for the existing solar farm and that the helipad be removed from the project concept,” the DOE continued.

In the case of Earlene Dixon’s Turneffe Atoll vacation home, only the residential part of the development was approved. Due to the potential adverse impacts on the marine ecosystems, the DOE stated that “the dredging component and the marina component of the development be removed and thus was not recommended for approval.”

The DOE confirmed it will follow NEAC’s recommendations and informed the developers of these decisions.

Belize Faces Heavy Rainfall, Caribbean and Atlantic Monitored for Current Tropical Waves

This morning, the National Hurricane Center in Miami reported several tropical waves with low chances of development. A tropical wave moving west at 20 mph is generating “disorganised showers and thunderstorms” near southeastern Cuba and Jamaica, with only a 30 percent chance of formation over the next week. Another wave, east of the Lesser Antilles, is showing minimal activity and has a 10 percent chance of significant development. A third wave in the eastern Atlantic is also producing disorganised showers, with a 20 percent chance of slow development in the coming week.

In Belize, the National Meteorological Service has issued a warning for “moist and unstable conditions” expected to continue over the next few days. The 24-hour forecast indicates “mostly cloudy to overcast skies,” with “a few showers, thunderstorms, and periods of rain” impacting northern and central areas today, with increased activity anticipated tonight, especially over the south and coast.

An excessive rainfall watch is in effect due to the potential for heavy rainfall, and small craft operators are advised to exercise caution due to gusty winds and rough seas.

Belize Joins Global Fight Against Pine Bark Beetle in Major WVSU-led Workshop

The pine bark beetle, a tiny but relentless invader, is wreaking havoc on forests and threatening global food security. As this insidious pest spreads its destruction across continents, urgent action is needed to halt its advance and protect vital ecosystems.

West Virginia State University (WVSU) has stepped up to meet this challenge with a new initiative aimed at combating the beetle’s threat. Led by Dr. Ayesha Sarker, assistant research professor of food science, the 1890 Center of Excellence for Global Food Security and Defense launched a project titled “A Collaborative Network for Monitoring Emerging Plant and Animal Diseases for Food Security.”

This summer, WVSU hosted a critical workshop in Belize, “Addressing New and Emerging Pests and Diseases: The Case of Pine Bark Beetle in Belize,” in collaboration with the University of Belize and the Forestry Department. The event, held at the Central Farm, brought together experts, students, and stakeholders to discuss beetle identification and integrated pest management strategies.

Dr. Sarker highlighted the workshop’s impact, stating, “The workshop focused on potential technical support from regional partners in specialized areas such as pine bark beetle identification training and IPM control measures.” The initiative aims to strengthen international partnerships and improve monitoring and data collection to effectively tackle this global pest threat.

Hurricane Centre Monitoring Two Tropical Waves with Development Potential

The National Hurricane Center released its latest tropical weather update this afternoon, highlighting two systems under observation. The first, a tropical wave over the central tropical Atlantic, is associated with showers and thunderstorms but remains disorganised. The Centre notes a medium chance of gradual development over the next few days, with a potential to become a tropical depression next week as it moves westward across the Caribbean Sea. Currently, the formation chance through 48 hours is near 0 percent, but increases to 40 percent over the next seven days.

Additionally, another tropical wave near the Cabo Verde Islands is being monitored. Although it is producing minimal activity, some slow development is possible as it progresses west-northwest over the eastern and central tropical Atlantic. The formation chance through 48 hours is near 0 percent and rises to 20 percent through 7 days.

75-year-old Found Dead in San Pedro, Young Man Found Dead in Cayo

Police officers are examining the death of 75-year-old Linda Carter of San Pedro, whose decomposed body was found at her residence on Thursday, August 29. There were no visible signs of injury on Carter’s body.

In San Ignacio Town, authorities are looking into the death of Cory Anthony Cruz, a 21-year-old Belizean, found with facial injuries in an open lot at the corner of 15th and Vaca Street. Cruz’s body was discovered by a passerby around 2:30 a.m. on Friday, August 30, and he was pronounced dead on arrival at San Ignacio Hospital.

In a separate case, police are searching for two suspects involved in a robbery at Yam Witz Restaurant and Bar on the Hummingbird Highway on Thursday, August 29. Marvin Fernandez, the manager, reported being attacked and robbed of $90 BZD, electronics, and other items by two men who arrived asking for water.

Breastfeeding Awareness Month Ends with New Lactation Suite at Western Regional Hospital

Western Regional Hospital in Belmopan unveiled its new Lactation Suite, marking the end of Breastfeeding Awareness Month. The suite, donated by SAM Limited Consultants, is a major step forward in creating a supportive environment for nursing mothers. The facility promises to enhance the well-being of both new mothers and their infants.

The Ministry applauded the administration of the Western Regional Hospital for this “progressive and supportive initiative for the welfare of nursing mothers” and noted that such facilities encourage mothers to return to work after maternity leave and support exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.

“A supportive environment in the workplace encourages the mother to want to return to work after maternity leave and more importantly it also helps to exclusively breastfeed the newborn for the first six months of life,” the Ministry added.