Belizeans watch rivers and rain

Meteorologists and residents of all six districts are tonight carefully monitoring rivers and creeks as they continue to rise. Early this evening, the Macal River was ten feet over the wooden bridge connecting Santa Elena and San Ignacio, but the good news is that upstream at Mollejon, levels appear to be dropping. Chief Meteorologist Carlos Fuller told News 5 tonight that the river may rise two to five feet more at San Ignacio, but then will begin to drop. Officials from the National Emergency Management Organisation from San Ignacio have nonetheless placed their committees on standby in case they are needed overnight and are prepared with the issues of evacuation, shelter and traffic. The effect this extra water will have on communities downstream will not be felt for a few days, so those villages along the Belize River are advised to keep a watchful eye on the water. Meanwhile, the residents of Douglas in the Orange Walk District have reported that the Rio Hondo has covered their football field with a foot of water and continues to rise slowly. An official evacuation has not been ordered, but some residents have chosen to leave until the water recedes. In Stann Creek and Toledo, flooding is subject to more localised conditions and travellers especially are advised to check on road conditions before embarking on a journey.