The clean up and disaster response continues flood-ravaged areas, especially in the south. Today our Keith Swift went on a mission by boat to Gales Point and Mullins River, two heavily damaged areas that up to now, we have only seen from the air. We’ll have that story for you but most likely tomorrow, because it’s hard going, and up to news time there was still no word.
Meanwhile attention continues to focus on the north and rising river levels in the Rio Hondo and the New River. Late word this evening from Douglas Village which sits on the banks of the Rio Hondo is that the flood waters are continuing to rise and have now crossed the banks and are creeping into the village. This morning five families had to be evacuated and are now sheltered in San Pablo.
The good news is that the Orange Walk New River has gone down an inch and in neighbouring San Antonio the water on the road is receding but houses – and the park - near the river which we showed you yesterday remain under water. Today the Orange Walk District Emergency Management Organization took provisions into San Roman, San Antonio and Santa Cruz Villages – where access roads to the northern highway are blocked by floodwaters.
In the west, the San Ignacio River levels are above the low lying bridge and continue to rise. But that is expected to subside by Thursday. The Mopan River which is already in its flood stage has once again rinsed. The Iguana Creek Bridge is now under three feet of water and a slow increase is expected through Thursday.
Flood levels in the Hope Creek area, Sarawee, and Middlesex Villages are expected to recede to above normal levels through Thursday. One good news is that the Sittee River near the Kendal Bridge that was washed away has receded. While the Swasey and Bladen branches of Monkey River, Deep River and Golden Stream have peaked but are falling slowly. The levels are expected to remain above normal through Thursday.
The Met Office reports that a gradual decrease in the rains is expected and we’ll have the full forecast for you later on as well as some more storm stories from the south.
