A tropical wave near 80 degrees West is moving westward at 15 miles per hour through the Western Caribbean.

This system is expected to produce some showers and thunderstorms on Saturday morning, especially over central and northern Belize.   Rainfall accumulation of one quarter inch to three quarter inch is expected in these areas.

A reduction in showers and a return to fair weather is expected for Sunday and Monday. 

Water Levels:

Water levels in rivers in the South, Western and Central areas continue to recede.  Levels in the Sittee, Monkey River, North Stann Creek, Sibun and the Belize rivers are falling below flood levels.

Water levels in the Rio Hondo and New Rivers remain above flood level and are still inundating some areas in the villages of Douglas, San Roman, San Victor, San Estevan, Concepcion, Towerhill and Carmelita.

Water levels in these rivers remain high and steady…  It is estimated that it will take another seven to ten days for the flood waters to fall below flood levels…

Water levels in all rivers will be closely monitored this weekend for any rise in levels and the public will be informed.

Shelters Status:

Orange Walk District

San Antonio – 3 families

OW Multi Purpose Building – 32 shelterees

San Estevan Community Center – 37 shelterees

Stann Creek District

Pomona Community Center – 17 shelterees
                                                                                                    

Relief and Supplies

Distribution of relief supplies to those persons in the affected areas continue. Those affected are receiving supplies that are estimated to last for about three weeks.

Relief activities are being conducted in concert with the Belize Red Cross and other humanitarian agencies to ensure that  efforts are not being duplicated. This approach should ensure that people receive assistance as equitably as possible.

The Government of Belize and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) continue to make every effort, along with local and international organizations to bring relief to all affected communities at the quickest possible pace.

Medical teams continue their activities in the affected areas. There are three teams in the Northern Region and 5 teams in the Southern Region of Belize.

Cases of conjunctivitis, fever and diarrhea, have been reported in some of the affected areas.  People in these areas are advised to avoid as much as possible walking in the mud, as this mud is giving rise to skin infections. After being in contact with mud, wash skin thoroughly as quickly as possible.

Residents of all communities affected by floods are once again reminded to wash all fruits and boil all water before consuming.

Those persons affected by this flooding emergency are invited to take advantage of the psychological counseling and medical services being offered by the medical teams in their area.