Minister Bernard Monitoring Flooding Situation in Orange Walk

Orange Walk East area representative Kevin Bernard says that he was on the ground in several affected villages in his constituency right up until eleven o’clock on Sunday night. As chairman of NEMO Orange Walk, Minister Bernard says that they are actively monitoring the situation, which is expected to get worse over the next few days with another system on the approach.

Kevin Bernard

Kevin Bernard, Area Representative, Orange Walk East

“I was out there late last night assisting people to get their items up on higher ground. We insisted to them that they would need to evacuate. When I checked this morning many of them still remained in the homes. Water has receded thankfully, but we are working on the ground. We are very much worried in terms of those villages that are more susceptible to flooding. We are trying to get our people out as early as possible. We are encouraging the people of Santa Marta, especially those in the low lying areas to get out early before it is too late, before it is too late. As they mentioned this morning, it is going to get worse; there is a lot of water coming down and so we have to ensure that we are preparing ourselves. Shelters have been opened and we are encouraging people to take advantage, get to the shelters before time. You don’t want to be caught in a situation where you are unable to get out and then it becomes worse. We are getting the support of the ministry of Infrastructure Development. I want to thank them. As you know, NEMO is comprised of many other units, not just the Ministry of Infrastructure, but they have been playing a very important role in getting equipment out in the area with limited resources, but getting on the ground, trying to address these problems as early as possible. I am not only speaking for my constituency, but I know that for the entire Orange Walk District and Corozal District, I understand they have been on the ground and across the country addressing these issues. The effects seem to be more up north and so the concentration is in that area.”