But first, here’s the latest on Tropical Depression 16. The National
Emergency Management Organization has discontinued the tropical storm warning
for the entire coast of Belize. A flood warning does however remain in effect
for the coast of southern Belize, where in villages like Jordan, residents are
being told to evacuate. Tropical Depression 16 moved over Northern Honduras
this afternoon and at 6 pm it was 215 miles east-southeast of Monkey River Village.
Maximum sustained winds are 35 miles per hour and the storm is moving at 7 miles
per hour. And its slow movement is the major worry tonight as it is expected
to be a rain maker. That could be disastrous for the south which has been inundated
with rain since last weekend and more than a foot is expected the next few days..
NEMO Coordinator Noreen Fairweather says flash floods are priority number one.
Noreen Fairweather, NEMO Coordinator
“The southern part of Belize for the most part is still expecting 
and receiving heavy rainfall and we expect that it is possible that this will
trigger flooding and some possible land slippages and slides in the hilly areas.
A significant amount of rainfall is expected with the system. We are looking
at four to eight inches along the coast and lower areas with a maximum of up
to fifteen inches in the hilly and mountainous parts of the country. The preliminary
stage for tropical storm for the country of Belize has been lifted however a
flood warning watch remains in place as the rains are expected to continue well
into this coming Friday and Saturday at the latest. As a result NEMO advises
persons living in flood plain areas, particularly in the Toledo and Stann Creek
Districts to continue to monitor the rainfall and the rising water levels in
the rivers.”
Fairweather says 100 persons were evacuated from Jordan this afternoon.
She says coast guard vessels and personnel are on standby to evacuate more residents
if necessary. So, to wrap up: the tropical storm warning for the entire country
has been discontinued but the south is still on alert. And along that line –
the Ministry of Education today announced the cancellation of all classes in
the Stann Creek and Toledo Districts until Sunday when a decision will be made
for classes on Monday. Classes in all other districts will go as normal tomorrow.
For a more detailed forecast visit http://www.hydromet.gov.bz.
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