High Alert Remains After Flooding, Despite Improving Conditions

After two days of heavy rain that flooded communities across the Stann Creek Valley, stranded drivers, and shut down major roads, conditions are finally starting to ease. Waters are receding and the downpour has let up, but officials warn it’s not over yet. NEMO remains on high alert, with crews on the ground assessing damage, tracking river levels, and preparing support for affected families. National Emergency Coordinator Daniel Mendez is urging residents to stay cautious as recovery efforts move ahead.

 

Daniel Mendez, National Emergency Coordinator, NEMO

“The weather system that has been affecting our country has weakened, and we are seeing actually a significant decrease in rainfall amounts. Floodwaters are gradually receding in the affected communities, particularly in the Stann Creek district. Flood alert remains in effect for central and southern coastal areas and in the northern districts as we continue to monitor conditions closely. The areas that had been impacted in the last few days are include Dangriga Town, Sarawui, Silkgrass, Hope Creek, Maya Centre, Mountain View, Mullins River, Steadfast, Pomona, Valley Community, as well as sections of the Hummingbird Highway and the Coastal Road. Currently, the mile 16 on the Coastal Road is now open, but there are ongoing repairs in that area, and we urge motorists to exercise caution when approaching that area. We are continuing to monitor the situation closely with the National Met Service and the National Hydrological Service to monitor both weather and river conditions. We are in the process of beginning needs assessment and the provision of humanitarian support to those affected communities. We have been preparing to start the delivery of relief supplies, and this includes things such as food packs and drinking water where needed. There are currently no shelters open, but they are on standby. They can be activated if conditions require this to happen. We of course would like to remind the public that although conditions are improving, that we would like you to remain vigilant, as rivers and low-lying areas may still pose risks. We remind our persons again that do not attempt to drive or walk through flooded roadways if you encounter those, uh, and also to continue to monitor any official updates that come from NEMO, the National Met Service, and the National Hydrological Service, and other local authorities.”

 

Residents in the Stann Creek Valley say flash flooding like Thursday’s happens only once every few decades.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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