Situation Report #3 - Flooding in Belize

The Event:
Tropical Storm  Arthur, formed on Saturday afternoon May 31, 2008 and immediately made landfall in northern Belize on the Yucatan Peninsula. Before becoming the first storm of the Atlantic Hurricane Season Tropical Storm Arthur was Tropical Storm Alma which developed in the Eastern Pacific on May 27. TS Alma and Arthur dumped approximately 15 inches of rain across Belize causing flooding in low lying areas and severely affecting the northern and southern districts.

Initial damage assessment reports have indicated a number of houses destroyed, damaged or submerged and approximately 1000 persons affected.  Five deaths have been confirmed and two persons are reportedly still missing.

The Prime Minister of Belize has declared as Disaster Areas the Stann Creek District and Gales Point, Manatee Village and Sittee River Village of the Belize District .

Prognosis: 
Flood waters have begun to recede, but some areas are still under water..

The Situation
Shelterees
Over 460 persons remain in shelters countrywide.

Bridges and Roads
Work is underway at getting temporary bridges in place.

The Humming Bird Highway is now passable. Vehicular traffic are advised to do so with caution

Relief Efforts
• NEMO has reported that the focus is on recovery and the Prime Minister has appointed the Honorable  Melvin Hulse, Minister with responsibility for NEMO to head the reconstruction of housing in the affected areas.
• Funds have been identified for building and repair of homes in Sittee, Gales Point and  Mullins River.
• A preliminary Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (DANA) report is being compiled for dissemination today.
• A preliminary Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (DANA) report is being compiled for dissemination today. 
• Food, clothing and water are being provided to affected communities

Actions by Coordinating Unit: 
The Easter Caribbean Donor Group is meeting today and will be briefed by CDERA on the situation and identify areas of support.

This is still considered as a Level 1 event, which means that the situation is managed at the national level. It is recognized that the potential exists for an upgrade of this level once further assessment is undertaken on the damage to the declared disasters areas in the northern and southern districts.

CDERA will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as appropriate.

Contact Details: the CDERA CU 24Hr contact number is 246-425-0386