Belize City Shelters can only handle a category 2 hurricane

roger espejo

And while forecasters keep a close watch on the progress of Tropical Storm Matthew, the Belize City Council is keeping a keen eye on preparedness. That is because if the storm develops into a formidable force stronger than a category two, most of the shelters in Belize City are not deemed fit to withstand a stronger storm. Today Coordinator of the City Emergency Management Organization, Councilor Roger Espejo, said residents have to have their plans in place and that the shelters will only be opened when absolutely necessary.

Roger Espejo, City Coordinator, CEMO

“We will only open shelters on an as-needs basis.  In the past, we’ve come to find out that we open shelters without having a dire need for it and opening shelters opens a whole new level of operation.  You have to staff, supplies, vehicles, there’s a whole logistical science that takes place in opening shelters.  So we don’t want to say that we will be opening shelters.  If the need arises, we certainly will open shelters. The condition of the shelters at the moment in terms of a category one or a category two hurricane is an acceptable one.  NEMO indicates what shelters will be used and they designate shelters, so to speak. Anything past a category two is not ready – we’re not ready for that, but we don’t want to delve too much into that discussion because that raises another level of alarm in the eyes and the hearts of the public.”

CEMO advises everyone to stay tuned to the local media and to monitor Matthew’s progress. Persons residing in flood prone areas are advised to move early, mariners are to seek safe harbor, and travelling to the cayes is not advised. More on the weather system later in our newscast.