Flooding Continues in Douglas; Residents Need Food Packages!
The Rio Hondo continues to rise tonight, as flooding within the Albion island areas, Douglas Village and downstream. According to the Hydrology Unit’s report, flood warning remains in effect for other communities along the river. It points out that the Blue Creek sub catchment of the Rio Hondo remains above the historically recorded hurricane Mitch level, and receding slowly. Close to seventy five families were evacuated from Douglas Village. Today, Chairman Jairo Osorio says that all those families have received some help but that they are still in need of some assistance.
On the Phone: Jairo Osorio, Chairman, Douglas Village
“I think that the call that I made to our government and other entities, I am lucky to have some good response from other people. So, at this time I am getting some assistance for fuel and some vehicles to transport people to higher ground.”
Andrea Polanco
“What has been the response from NEMO?”
On the Phone: Jairo Osorio
“Well, yesterday, I got some assistance from NEMO. The persons who are sheltering in San Pablo and San Juan – they already helped to give food packages. The only thing I am worrying about is the people who are outside of the shelters. There are more people out with family members from other villages and residing there at this point in time. So, those are the ones I am worrying about right now.”
Andrea Polanco
“Any concerns from these families about COVID-19; are they wearing their masks? Are they practicing proper hygiene in the shelters?”
On the Phone: Jairo Osorio
“Yes. We have established those hygiene measures at the shelters. They are wearing masks; doing social distancing. I have put some persons to clean the bathrooms and we are working with the families so that we can rotate them so that everybody can do their part.”
Andrea Polanco
“What about the losses in terms of crops and damage to property?”
On the Phone: Jairo Osorio
“In Douglas, we usually do some planting and gardening behind our house. So, some plant corn and other fruits in the yard and so with this water and contamination of the water cause those plants and fruits to die. So, it is really a great impact that the village is having at this time.”
The residents are in need of food packages and if you can help, please call Chairman Osorio at 672-0669.
