NEMO Public Advisory #8- Tropical Storm Richard

Press Releases
NEMO Public Advisory #8- Tropical Storm Richard
By NEMO Information Unit
Oct 24, 2010, 03:18 pm

NEMO Public Advisory #8
Hurricane Richard

At 3:00 p.m. the center of the Hurricane Richard was located near Latitude 17.2 North, Longitude 88.0 West, located 25 miles East South East of Belize City. The Hurricane is moving towards the West North West at 13 miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds remain near 90 miles per hour with higher gusts. The Hurricane Warning and Phase III of the NEMO Hurricane Preparedness Plan is still in effect for Belize.

During a Hurricane

o Stay inside

o Stay away from flood areas

o Close all interior doors, secure and brace all external doors

o All vessels should remain in port.

o DO NOT LISTEN TO RUMORS! Stay tune to your radio and television for advisories from NEMO and the National Met Service. Listen to the official authorities of NEMO and the MET Service.

o Remain vigilant and be prepared for heavy winds and rains which can cause life threatening floods.


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NEMO Public Advisory #7- Tropical Storm Richard

Press Releases
NEMO Public Advisory #7- Tropical Storm Richard
By NEMO Information Unit
Oct 24, 2010, 12:00 pm

NEMO Public Advisory #7
Hurricane Richard

At 12:00 midday the center of the Hurricane Richard was located near Latitude 17.1 North, Longitude 87.5 West, located 55 miles East South East of Belize City. The Hurricane is moving towards the West North West at 13 miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds remain near 85 miles per hour with higher gusts. The Hurricane Warning and Phase III of the NEMO Hurricane Preparedness Plan is still in effect for the coast of Belize.

The center of Hurricane Richard is expected to make landfall on Belize this evening as a Category 1 Hurricane.

All public transport operations (buses) have been ceased effective 10:00 a.m. this morning, except for transit buses that will complete their runs to the North at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon. The safety of the public is of ultimate importance.

All private motor vehicles are advised to avoid travelling by 1:00 p.m. this afternoon.

People living in Dangriga and Communities in the Stann Creek District who have not yet evacuated to safety are advised to seek Shelters immediately.

People living in vulnerable areas within Belize City who have not yet evacuated to safety are advised to seek Shelters immediately.

People who are planning to leave Dangriga and Belize City and have not done so as yet are advised to seek Shelters immediately.

o Travelling to the Cayes is not advised.

o Mariners are advised not to go to sea. All vessels should remain in port.

o By now all Hurricane plans should be in action.

o Remember stay tune to your radio and television over the weekend!

The public is advised to remain vigilant and to be prepared for heavy winds and rains which can cause life threatening floods. Continue listening to the local radio and television stations for further advisories from the NEMO and the National Met Service.


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NEMO Public Advisory #5 - Tropical Storm Richard

Press Releases
NEMO Public Advisory #5 - Tropical Storm Richard
By NEMO Information Unit
Oct 23, 2010, 08:00 pm

At 6:00 p.m. the center of the Tropical Storm Richard was located near Latitude 16.2 North, Longitude 84.4 West, located 270 miles East South East of Belize City. The Storm is moving towards the West at 8 miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds remain near 65 miles per hour with higher gusts. The Hurricane Warning and Phase III of the NEMO Hurricane Preparedness Plan is still in effect for the coast of Belize.

The center of TS Richard is expected to pass near the north eastern coast of Honduras tonight. It is anticipated that the Storm will make landfall on Belize Sunday afternoon/evening as a Category 1 Hurricane.

People living in coastal communities including: San Pedro and Caye Caulker, Mullins River, Monkey River, Placencia, Seine Bight, Punta Negra, Hopkins, Sarteneja and who believe their homes would not withstand 50 mph winds or do not feel safe at their homes are advised to seek shelter. NEMO will be opening shelters for coastal districts at 6:00 p.m. this evening.

o Public Officers are being asked to report to their respective shelters.

o Travelling to the Cayes is not advised.

o Mariners are advised not to go to sea.

o If you have to evacuate do so early. If you are going to Shelter take along those things you will need. Your life is the most important possession.

o Put your Hurricane plans into action.

o If you live in an area that will flood take seriously the advice from NEMO and the Met Office and be prepared to quickly move your family and belongings to safety. Belongings include assets, property, animals and crops.

o All Tropical Storms and Hurricane are not the same therefore take this advisory seriously.

o Remember stay tune to your radio and television over the weekend!

People who have livestock areas that are likely to flood should move them to safety. Farmers in areas that normally flood who have crops in the fields should harvest as soon as possible.

The public is advised to remain vigilant and to be prepared for heavy winds and rains which can cause life threatening floods. Continue listening to the local radio and television stations for further advisories from the NEMO and the National Met Service.


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NEMO Public Advisory #2 - Tropical Storm Richard

Press Releases
NEMO Public Advisory #2 - Tropical Storm Richard
By NEMO Information Unit
Oct 22, 2010, 06:05 pm

NEMO Public Advisory #2
Tropical Storm Richard

At 6:00 p.m. the center of the Tropical Storm Richard was located near Latitude 15.8 North, Longitude 82.3West. The Storm is moving towards the West at 5 miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds remain near 45 miles per hour with higher gusts.

People on the Cayes and along the coast who need to move are advised to do so early. Fisher folks are advised to stay alert and listen for the marine advisories.

People who are evacuating to shelters are advised to do so early and take three days' supply of dry and or canned food.

People who have livestock’s in low lying areas that are flood prone should move them to higher ground. Farmers in flood prone areas who have crops out in the fields that are close to harvesting should consider harvesting as soon as possible.

Stay tune to your radio and television over the weekend and if you have to take the following actions do so promptly:

o If you were planning to go to the Cayes and along the Coast this weekend you are advised to cancel your trip

o If you are at Sea seek safe harbour

o If you have to evacuate do so early. If you are going to Shelter take along those things you will need. Your life is the most important possession.

o Review and be prepared to put your emergency / Hurricane Plan into action

o If you live in an area that will flood take seriously the advice from NEMO and the Met Office and be prepared to quickly move your family and belongings to safety. Belongings include assets, property, animals and crops.

o All Tropical Storms and Hurricane are not the same take this advisory seriously.

o Remember stay tune to your radio and television over the weekend!

Public Officers are being asked to remain alert and be ready for deployment. All government vehicles must be fueled and parked at the Ministry of Works compound in their respective district.

The Preliminary Phase and a Tropical Storm Watch is still in effect. Please contact your NEMO District Emergency Operation Center for local information.

NEMO remains on ‘HIGH ALERT’ as it continues to monitor Tropical Storm Richard.


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TS Richard expected to make landfall on Sunday

National Emergency Management Organization

“Preserving Life and Property”

DATE: Friday, October 22, 2010 TIME: 3:00 pm

NEMO Public Advisory #1

Tropical Storm Richard

At 3:00 p.m. the center of the Tropical Storm Richard was located near Latitude 16.2 North, Longitude 81.7West. The Storm is moving towards the West at 5 miles per hour. Maximum sustained winds remain near 45 miles per hour with higher gusts.

The public is being advised of further deteriorating weather conditions as Richard moves nearer to Belize and to remain vigilant.

People on the Cayes and along the coast who need to move are advised to do so early. Fisher folks are advised to stay alert and listen for the marine advisories.

Public Officers are being asked to remain alert and be ready for deployment. All government vehicles must be fueled and parked at the Ministry of Works compound in their respective district.

The Preliminary Phase and a Tropical Storm Watch has been declared for the entire coast of Belize at 3:00 p.m. today. Please contact your NEMO District Emergency Operation Center for local information.

NEMO is on ‘HIGH ALERT’ as it continues to monitor Tropical Storm Richard. Listen to your local radio and television stations for further advisories from the NEMO and the National Met Service.

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The San Pedro Emergency Operating Committee met at 2:00pm today October 22nd 2010
and issues the following advisory:
1. Boat owners and operators are advised to be on standby in the event of
evacuation, thereafter to seek safe harbor.
2. Public officers are advised to be on standby.
3. The preliminary phase hes been declared as of 3:00pm this afternoon and all are asked to be on alert and stay
tuned to their radio for updated information.
4. There is a possibility for voluntary evacuation commencing in the morning.

Classes Cancelled...

Notice:
ALL Classes have been cancelled for Friday, September 24th, 2010 in light of incoming Tropical Storm Matthew. (Notice from Arlette Gomez, Ministry of Education).

NEMO Issues Tropical Storm Watch

Date: Friday, 25 June 2010 Time: 3:00 P.M.

NEMO PRESS RELEASE No. 2

The area of disturbed weather over the northwest Caribbean has become better organized. The possibility of Tropical Cyclone formation in this area over the next 48 hours has increased to 80 percent.

The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has put into effect a Tropical Storm watch for the entire coast of Belize as of 3:00 pm today. A Tropical Storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are likely to affect the country within the next 36 hours.

People along the coast and on the cayes are encouraged to evacuate early, once the NEMO declares a Phase.

Mariners and fisher-folk need to make early preparations to seek safe harbour, if the need arises.

Motorists are advised that increased rainfall can cause flash flooding and render roads impassable.

The general public is being advised to:

Review your emergency plans (family, community, business)

Ensure you have adequate food, water and medicine

Make early preparations to seek shelter if necessary. If you need to seek shelter, know where you are going. Make sure to inform relatives and friends of your plans, whereabouts and intended destination.

Public Officers are encouraged to be alert and ready in the event they need to report for duty.

The public is further advised to listen to local radio and television stations for official updates from the NEMO and the National Met Service.

The next advisory will be issued at 9:00 pm.

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Meteorologists advise close monitoring of Tropical System

All Dia de San Pedro Functions postponed...

Due to the inclement weather, all Dia de San Pedro weekend activities have been postponed until further notice.

Voluntary Evacuations are expected to begin Saturday afternoon.

-Press Release - NEMO - June 25th, 2010 - The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) warns the public of an area of disturbed weather, Invest 93, off the Honduras/Nicaragua border moving on a West North Westerly track. This system has the potential for development as it enters more favorable conditions existing to the East of Belize.

Presently the National Met Service predicts a 70% chance of the system developing into a Tropical Depression offshore Belize as it moves toward the Yucatan Peninsula during Saturday and Sunday.

The public is being advised to be aware of the increased likelihood of further deteriorating weather conditions as this system nears our starting later today and over the weekend.

The NEMO advises the public to be prepared for increased rainfall, potential flooding and unfavorable sea conditions. All those persons along the coast and people traveling to the cayes need to pay particular attention to sea conditions.

The public is further advised to listen to their local radio and television stations for further advisories from the NEMO and the National Met Service. - End-

For now, the general public is advised to start making preparations for tropical storm-like weather. Tune in to your local radio station: The Reef Radio (92.3FM) and Love FM (98.1FM)

News of interest: Tropical Weather and Oil Spills

Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras devastated by Tropical Storm Agatha

June 1st is the beginning of Hurricane season, but Tropical Storm Agatha hit Central America early, as it has caused devastation and loss of lives in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras over the weekend. Above is an image of a giant sinkhole that was created by the extreme downpour of rain, and swallowed an entire 3-story building.

According to the Associated Press, the European Union has granted euro3 million ($3.65 million) in emergency aid for victims of Tropical Storm Agatha in Central America.
The storm has caused flooding and landslides that killed at least 150 people and made thousands homeless in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.
The EU says the aid approved Tuesday will go toward buying food, water, first aid kits, sanitation supplies and emergency shelters for some 100,000 people.
EU Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva says "We will continue to monitor the situation closely, in case further needs arise."
More than 160,000 people in Central America have been evacuated from their homes.