NEMO steps up preparedness as El Niño raises drought and heat concerns
By Zoila Palma: As El Niño intensifies across Central America, Belize is stepping up preparations for potential impacts from reduced rainfall, rising temperatures, wildfires and damage to agriculture and livelihoods. The development comes as Panama has declared a national emergency, while El Salvador and Honduras have issued red alerts over worsening drought conditions. National Emergency […] The post NEMO steps up preparedness as El Niño raises drought and heat concerns appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Black News 
By Zoila Palma: As El Niño intensifies across Central America, Belize is stepping up preparations for potential impacts from reduced rainfall, rising temperatures, wildfires and damage to agriculture and livelihoods.
The development comes as Panama has declared a national emergency, while El Salvador and Honduras have issued red alerts over worsening drought conditions.
National Emergency Coordinator Daniel Mendez said the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) is closely monitoring conditions in collaboration with the National Meteorological Service and the Ministry of Agriculture. “What we do know is that the decrease [in] rain can have effects that will require a multi-agency approach in the future,” Mendez explained to 7News Belize.
Mendez said NEMO is already planning for several potential hazards that could emerge as rainfall decreases and temperatures rise.
These include increased wildfire risks, crop damage and impacts on people’s livelihoods. “We are already making plans for what potential hazards we may see developing that could include fires, damage to crops and damage to people’s livelihoods,” he said.
He acknowledged that completely eliminating disaster risks is impossible, particularly as weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable and severe.
“Can we even be truly prepared? I don’t think so, I don’t think any country can ever be truly prepared,” Mendez said.
The regional situation highlights the growing concern.
Panama has warned of water stress in 11 river basins and potential impacts on water supplies, agriculture and hydroelectric generation, while El Salvador has recorded prolonged dry conditions, high temperatures and below-average rainfall forecasts.
Honduras has placed dozens of municipalities under red and yellow alerts as drought threatens crops, livestock and water supplies.
The post NEMO steps up preparedness as El Niño raises drought and heat concerns appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
