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Belize

Belize: UNICEF Situation Report No. 2

  • Rainfall associated with a low pressure system heading in the direction of Belize continues to produce rains in the country. While water levels begin to slowly recede in the Mopan and Macal Rivers in the Cayo District, levels in the Belize River begin to rise. Flooding in Belize City is also expected during the next day or so. Water levels in rivers in the Orange Walk District continue to be monitored.

- The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) at the local level remains activated and due to the consistent rainfall, has called off schools in all districts except Toledo, the southern most district.

- The Coast Guard has been dispatched to the communities along the Belize River Valley to monitor the water levels as well as to evacuate residents if the need arises.

- NEMO continues to provide assistance to 95 persons including children in the shelters and distribute food supplies to the affected areas in particular Bullet Tree and Calla Creek, two communities in the Cayo District which have been inundated by the swollen rivers.

- No deaths or injuries have been reported and NEMO continues to urge residents in the affected areas to avoid crossing the flooded rivers and to stay away from flooded waters.

- The Ministry of Health will today commence airing radio messages regarding hygiene practices in flood areas.

- UNICEF has been in contact with all UN agencies in Belize. Two UNICEF staff members have still not been unable to report to work due to the flooding in their areas. The bridge in Roaring Creek is still flooded and must be crossed with extreme caution and only with high vehicles.

- UNICEF continues to be in touch with NEMO for updates and we are ready to respond upon their request. UNICEF has ORS, chlorinated tablets and collapsible water containers available for distribution.

- Any future development will be communicated in a timely manner.

For detailed information please contact:

UNICEF Representative and Designated Official (Belize): Ms. Rana Flowers Cellular: + 501 610 2201 E-mail: rflowers@unicef.org

UNICEF Emergency Focal Point Ms Anita Zetina Cellular: +501-610-5054 E-mail: azetina@unicef.org