And waters rise in Belama Area of the City

And that’s what residents in new areas of Belize City are doing. The water levels are on the rise and according to weather updates they are expected to go even higher. When a News Five crew made its way to Belama, rising waters in the past three weeks have worsened the situation for residents. Belama Phase Three and Four are flooding with at least a foot and a half of water.

According to residents, the water submerging the streets of the Belama Phase Three Area seems to fluctuate with the rise and fall of the tide. Women, men and young children, including students have to wade through the waters to get to their destinations. Some straddle through the water in rubber boots, others go bare feet and some find resourceful ways to get through. Last night, the water rose so high that some families had to be evacuated. Coordinator for NEMO Belize City, Philip Willoughby says the distress call came in a little after six yesterday evening.

Phillip Willoughby, Coordinator, NEMO Belize City
“We assisted the families by putting their household items and so forth in our vehicles and we took them to their relatives. I believe that other persons should evacuate. I see the need for them to evacuate, but again it is contingent on them selves. We can’t force anyone to evacuate per say, but what we will do is respond to them, assist them and help them to evacuate.”

Willoughby says that if anyone needs assistance, he can be reached at the City Council at 227-3073.