18 October, Belmopan, BELIZE -(Belizean.com) Massive flooding in the western and central areas of Belize has cut off many villages and towns from the rest of the country, led to emergency evacuations, loss of crops and the closure of most schools and the University of Belize. Tropical depression 16 crossed over the Central American region last week bringing most rivers in Belize to flood state. And new rains which started last night have lead to heavy flooding at the western border between Belize and Guatemala leading authorities from both countries to close the border crossing.
The westernmost town of Benque Viejo del Carmen which borders with Guatemala has been cut off from the main road network. The only bridge connecting western Belize to Guatemala through the town of Melchor de Mencos has sustained damage from debris brought down by the Mopan river which is in full flood stage. And the exit road from Benque Viejo del Carmen to the rest of Belize is under four feet of water and been closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
The entire western area of Belize has also been cut off from the rest of the country. The only bridge that provides access, the Roaring Creek bridge outside of the capital City Belmopan is under 18 inches of water as at 6:30 p.m. local time (12:30 a.m. Monday G.M.T), has been has been closed by authorities to all vehicular traffic.
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