So that's the situation in the south but what about the residents of the Belize River Valley? Right now, the water is rolling down to that area, so the situation certainly isn't as severe as it is in the south. We went to Flowers Bank today and the river has risen considerably but the residents don't seem bothered or concerned - at least not for now. We spoke to the Village Chairman Clinton Rhaburn and he told us how they are managing the flood situation in the village.
Clinton Rhaburn, Chairman, Flowers Bank
"What really happened, we are not affected directly with the flash flood in time of the rain. But if you notice now that the water is coming all the way from Cayo, and then a couple days after where we are affected by the coming down of the water from Cayo. Because all those water that you hear about up there will have to pass here and we are just seeing the back water start to rise. So probably maybe in the next 3-4 days there will be a lot of difference in the community and especially to get out the community because the road will take water. The bridges, they will take water and that will create a big problem. The school probably will have to close down because of the high water on the bridges."
Courtney Weatherburne
"Is there any effort right now by the community to get out right away or you guys will just sit and wait it out until Thursday or Friday?"
Clinton Rhaburn, Chairman, Flowers Bank
"We will keep on monitor what is really happening and then see how we could make arrangement to take care of ourselves to get in and get out."
Courtney Weatherburne
"In terms of cattle or livestock, we got a release from NEMO and they are saying that some of these villages might be affected later on and that they want the residence or the public for them to get out as well or just to take precaution and also to relocate the livestock. Is there any issue here with livestock?"
Clinton Rhaburn, Chairman, Flowers Bank
"Yes they do. Couple of farmers will probably move their animal to higher grounds and protect them from the flood - if the flood should stay here within the next week or two. If it doesn't, then they could the risk of not moving their cattle, because it's a very expensive venture to move them and to bring them back. So both we and the farmers will monitor it closely and then if we have to move, we will move to higher grounds."
Rosella Robinson, Flowers Bank Resident
"The situation here right now is not bad yet. But should in case the bridge get covered with water then the situation will be bad and it's hard to get from here to the main road while the road is flooded. I would say it's something that I am use to. One good thing with it is that when the river is flooded like this and the road have water, this little circle where I live, water doesn't take up here. So I am on a little island. My kids are calling and wanted to know if I will come out. But I don't plan to leave my home."
There are 135 residents living in Flowers Bank. Rhaburn told us that there is a Disaster Preparedness Committee in the village that will assist residents if the situation gets any worse later on in the week.
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