So now NEMO is in full blown hurricane preparation mode. Last night they were expecting a tropical depression or a tropical storm, but tonight, it's Tropical Storm Nana.
This morning's NEMO advisory warned that Nana is expected to make landfall on Belize on Thursday around midday as a Hurricane.
The late Advisory says, quote "residents across the country should be prepared for category 1 hurricane force winds between 74 and 95 mph. This system could also produce rainfall of up to 4-6 inches across the country which could lead to flash flooding and possible landslides….Associated heavy rains can cause flooding, washout roads, bridges, culverts, winds can damage homes, trees branches, power lines and poles, loose items can be blown about and storm surge can cause flooding, drowning and beach vessels not securely moored."
The public must monitor the progress of this system but do not panic!." End quote.
Yesterday, NEMO's National Coordinator said this is the time to think about your family's EMERGENCY plan:
Col. Shelton Defour (Ret'd.) - Coordinator NEMO
"The general public has to look at what is it I need to do to save my life. Where will I shelter? What are the basic things that I can afford to take? We know of the economic hardship and suffering that people are going through. So we are not expecting the majority of people who go to shelters bringing any sort of supplies. That onus will be on us to be able to assist with the life saving survival type accessories or amenities that people will need. It will not be perfect, Jules, you know I will never as a realist and a practitioner mislead the public to say that, oh, NEMO has everything in place, and it will run very smooth. It will not! It will run with challenges and we will then have to be flexible within our experience and training and the COVID 19 scenario to deliver the services as best as we can."
NEMO's advisory stresses that a price freeze is in effect and that public and private essential agencies and utility companies must release their employees when they need to seek shelter for their safety. Additionally, all Emergency Operations Centre countrywide were activated today at 4pm today.
