And, more than just force hundreds of Central Americans into hurricane shelters, at least 19 deaths have been blamed on the storm, according to The Associated Press, including 13 in Honduras, four in Guatemala and two in Nicaragua. Most of the deaths involved landslides while officials in Panama said eight people are missing.
Here in Belize, there have been no deaths - but - for us - the worse could still be coming.
Tonight - the former storm - now just a Tropical Depression is projected to turn to the north and move east of Belize and is likely to continue affecting southern, eastern and central region of the country bringing more torrential rain.
NEMO says this will increase the chances for more flooding in Toledo, Stann Creek including Dangriga, Sarawee, Hope Creek, Mullins River, Gales point, Mahogany Heights, Freetown Sibun, Belize City, Ladyville, and northern Belize. The system is expected to move away from coastal Belize between late Friday evening and Saturday morning when less rainfall is expected but by that time major flooding could occurring
All major highways remain open while the following roads are flooded: Bullet Tree and Santa Familia, Spanish Lookout is accessible via Valley of Peace road, Calla Creek road, Santa Rosa road to Calla Creek, More Tomorrow M&S road, Sittee River bypass to Hopkins, and the Coastal Road from Hope Creek to Gales Point junction. All crossings in the Cayo district are flooded or at risk to flood except the Hawksworth and the Santa Elena new bridge.
Finally, NEMO says, quote, "A FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT for Cayo, Belize, Stann Creek and Toledo districts. Most rivers in the country are rising. People along streams and rivers that are flooding or starting to flood are advised to move to higher grounds to save life. DO NOT STAY IN YOUR HOME tonight if you know it is likely to flood during the course of the night. MOVE TO SAFETY, SAVE YOUR FAMILY, LIFE COMES FIRST!"
