By NEMO Infornation Unit Aug 19, 2011, 12:00 pm

National Emergency Management Organization “Preserving Life and Property” DATE: Friday, 19th August 2011 TIME: 12:00 noon

NEMO PRESS RELEASE #3

Tropical Depression Eight became Tropical Storm Harvey at mid-day today. The centre of the system is latitude 16.3 N, longitude 84.2 W. This position is about 270 miles east southeast of Dangriga. The TS is moving towards the west-northwest at 10 miles per hour and is expected make land fall by late Saturday evening that is the 20th of August 2011, tomorrow. The present forecast track takes the system just to the north of Dangriga. Wind speed is presently 40mph and additional strengthening is forecast. 3-5 inches of rainfall is expected.

The Government of Belize has declared a Tropical Storm Warning for the entire coast of Belize. We are in the Red Two Phase of the National Emergency Warning System.

People living in coastal communities particularly; Belize City, Dangriga including Wagirili, Mullins River, Gales Point, Monkey River, Silk Grass, Independence, along the Placencia Peninsula, Seine Bight, Punta Negra, Hopkins and surrounding villages that normally floods and get cut off due to flooding are advised to move to higher grounds. Including communities in the Toledo District such as Midway, Corazon, Boom Creek, Bladden, Swasey and Golden Stream. Small communities along the Coastal Road and the Old Northern Highway are also advised to move to higher ground.

The general public is hereby informed that winds are expected to reach up to 50 miles per hour. People who have livestock should move them to higher ground. Subsistence farmers who have crops in the field attend to your crops. Banana growers in the south take heed of the forecasted wind speed of 50 mph.

People living in areas known to flood are encouraged to start making the necessary preparations to move to a safe area. Fisher folks, Water Taxi Operators, Sea goers are urged not to go to Sea. You strongly advised to stay alert and listen for the marine advisories. People are not advised to travel to the Cayes at this time. All vessels are advised to seek safe harbour.

Organizers of events for this weekend are advised to consider postponing them.

NEMO and the Government of Belize are presently responding to a Tropical Storm. All NEMO staff is on full alert and key national and district committees are activated in the event the situation worsens and a rapid national response is required. Public Officers are advised to be on standby to report for duty as Shelter Wardens as the need arises. Ministries are urged to ensure all government vehicles are fueled and that those GOB vehicles assigned to assist NEMO operations are handed over to the Ministry of Works Officer in Charge in their respective location in keeping with our Standard Operating Procedures.

The Public is advised to listen to their local radio and television stations for further updates from the National Meteorological Service and NEMO.

NEMO is on high alert as we continue to monitor Tropical Storm Harvey.

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