State of Emergency
Declared for Belize
NEMO
Headquarters, September 3, 2007- The Prime Minister,
the Rt. Hon. Said Musa, in his capacity as Chairman of the National Emergency
Management Organization, this morning (Monday, September 3, 2007) convened a special session of
NEMO to make final preparations in the face of the imminent threat of Hurricane
Felix to Belize.
At
the recommendation of NEMO, the Governor-General, Sir Colville Young, has
issued a Proclamation declaring a State of Emergency
for the entire country of Belize. The Proclamation also calls out the volunteer
elements to assist the uniformed forces to protect life and property.
The
Proclamation of a State of Emergency
is intended to smooth the process of mandatory evacuation, if it becomes
necessary, and to facilitate the security forces in their efforts to protect
life and property.
The
process of opening of hurricane shelters will begin at mid-day today in all
areas. The shelters will be open to
accommodate those most vulnerable members of the communities who have no other
place to go. This will also serve the
purpose of having people in known locations if it becomes necessary for NEMO to
declare mandatory evacuation of any of the coastal areas.
Persons
moving into shelters should take with them sufficient food and supplies to last
for at least three days. Limited food will
be available for the indigents, the vulnerable, and those who cannot afford to
supply their own food.
For
those persons who wish to evacuate but cannot afford to move, NEMO will make
arrangements for their transportation.
These arrangements will be announced.
NEMO
continues to urge those persons living at the cayes and in low-lying coastal
areas to move inland to higher ground.
At this point, NEMO recommends that those persons who evacuate from the
outer islands move toward the Orange Walk District.
The
Prime Minister has announced a price freeze on all goods and services in the
country, and urges owners of licensed liquor establishments to refrain from
serving alcoholic beverages while the emergency is in effect.
The
Met Office will continue to give the public periodic updates on the location,
strength and direction of Hurricane Felix.
NEMO also continues to monitor the progress of the Hurricane and will
keep the public constantly informed.
Belizeans are urged to keep tuned to their local radio stations for the
latest information.
END
For more information contact:
NEMO
Tel: 822-2054
