Impact of TS Julia to be Heavily Felt in Southern Belize

Direct landfall from Tropical Storm Julia is not expected in Belize. And while tropical storm or hurricane conditions are unlikely to affect the country, the system will produce heavy rainfall which could lead to massive flooding across the country, especially in the south. Chief Meteorologist Ronald Gordon says that residents in flood prone areas should make necessary preparations to protect livestock and farms, but also ensure their personal safety. 

Ronald Gordon

Ronald Gordon, Chief Met Officer

“I will issue the typical advice that we issue to residents who are prone to flooding. Of course be prepared to move if you see the water is rising. You probably could make preparations now such as taking measures to protect your property, your livestock if you have agricultural products that you need to harvest or can harvest now before the heavier rains arise, do so to protect your property. Of course the most important is to protect life. So, as I have said before, if the waters are rising and you could move to higher ground, ensure that you do so to avoid being swept away in any sort of flash flooding that could occur.”

This afternoon, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise issued a safety measure advisory for farmers in flood prone areas. In the bulletin, the ministry says that crop producers are advised to harvest available and mature crops, make note of all crops planted and production amounts and store harvested crops in cool, dry areas to avoid spoilage or losses. For producers with tropical greenhouses or covered structures, they are asked to remove covering materials, safely store equipment and supplies and to also make a note of all crops planted and production amounts. Meanwhile livestock producers are advised to temporarily relocate animals to safer areas, ensure availability of animal feed and water and to make a count of all animals. All farm machinery and inputs are to be secure while pesticides and pesticide containers are to be relocated to avoid spoilage and contamination.