By Belize Live News Staff: In the wake of Tropical Storm Sara, Prime Minister John Briceño took to the skies to assess the severe flooding impacting the Cayo District. Though the storm passed without significant wind damage, the aftermath has left communities in low-lying areas bracing for rising waters.
During an aerial inspection, the Prime Minister reviewed the swollen Chalillo Dam and its potential impact on downstream areas, including San Ignacio and Santa Elena. With the dam overflowing and more rain expected, the situation in the Belize River Valley remains precarious. “The Chalillo Dam is sending a lot of water down the Macal River, and we’re monitoring the impact on villages downstream,” Briceño said.
The Prime Minister noted that waters flowing in from neighboring Guatemala compound the issue, often carrying contaminants that risk the health of vulnerable communities. “Many of these villages rely on the river for drinking water, and when latrines overflow, it creates a serious health hazard,” he explained. Cases of waterborne diseases like cholera are a growing concern as farmers face devastating losses. “Hundreds of acres of farmland are submerged. This is their livelihood,” Briceño said, highlighting the urgent need for aid.
The Prime Minister also pointed to infrastructure challenges exacerbated by the flooding. A bridge near San Martin Primary School in the Cayo Plains, vital for connecting children to education and farmers to markets, is currently underwater. The government plans to prioritize repairs and support for affected farmers as the crisis unfolds.
Briceño concluded with a call for solidarity and swift action: “We must work together to restore these communities and support small farmers who have lost everything. Belize’s resilience will shine through.”
