updated 2:00 p.m. ET, Tues., June. 3, 2008
BELIZE CITY - Flash flooding in Belize killed at least four people and left two others missing, witnesses said, due to tropical storms that also killed at least three people in other Central American nations and drove thousands from their homes.
The weekend storms took most of Belize's 300,000 residents by surprise.
Early Monday, flash flood waters swept away a home in southern Belize's Stann Creek Valley, killing a man, his wife and their 14-year-old daughter, according to relatives. The couple's 12-year-old son is missing and presumed dead.
"That flood just came right now, sudden one, and when I look I saw my nephew's house over there and I told him to get out," Bedford Ritchie told Channel 7. "It looks like he was trying to pack up his things and the water didn't give him any break. The water just come right up and picked up their house and took it down there and mashed it up."
Wellington McKenzie told Channel 7 that a friend died trying to help him rescue others in their neighborhood.
"He couldn't stand up no more and he went underneath my house and there he drowned," McKenzie said. "They found him about two or three hours after."
Officials were also searching for a young boy who was pulled from his father's arms by floodwaters as the two tried to reach the safety of a mango tree.
"I went underneath the water and I bit my little boy in his hand, just to hold him, and by the time I came up back, he was gone," the boy's father, Philberto Roches, told Channel 7. "So I turned around and tried to find him and never did find him again."
The death toll had yet to be confirmed by authorities.
The rising waters also left dozens stranded on the roofs of their homes, washed out a key bridge to the southern section of the country and damaged highways.
Papaya plantations, shrimp farms and the country's three-month supply of rice were also wiped out.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Good News in the Midst of Crisis
This small report just came in from our friend in Belize:
Hired someone with a boat to check on the island and take food to the caretakers. Everything is fine there.
"Still there is so much devastation but Christians and non-Christians are working side by side helping each other out."
That ---- is a beautiful thing!
Ray
Hired someone with a boat to check on the island and take food to the caretakers. Everything is fine there.
"Still there is so much devastation but Christians and non-Christians are working side by side helping each other out."
That ---- is a beautiful thing!
Ray
Monday, June 2, 2008
Sad News
This just in from Karen Strawser...her husband Jim has just recently gotten to Belize, has been working on our house a bit and other things as well.
PRAY !! ----- I SO wish I was down there to help!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ray - thanks for the forward re: storm in Belize. The phone Jim has been using isn't working and he has been trying to use his cell from back here. He's called about 8 times but the contact only lasts thru a couple of sentences.
It is really bad - Sittee River has bee wiped out for the most part. Both boats are under water and the new mini excavator has damage. Tom and Sharon's house is ok but the worker's house next door flooded ruining the mattresses etc. Jim was not able to even get out with the van until about 2 hours ago.
A major fairly new high bridge has been washed away and there is no way to get to Punta Gorda or Toledo District. He saw a horse swimming by his house this am. He woke up to the roar of water. There are mudslides.
The electric is out and no one knows for how long, of course. He was able to go to Dangrigia to get some food that doesn't require refrigeration.
Tom and Sharon are in Cancun vacationing with family. Jim says there is no need to tell them as their home is ok and there is nothing they can do from there. They are due back this Thursday. I think that is about everything.
I know it is challenging times for Jim but he's safe and that's the main thing.
Karen
PRAY !! ----- I SO wish I was down there to help!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ray - thanks for the forward re: storm in Belize. The phone Jim has been using isn't working and he has been trying to use his cell from back here. He's called about 8 times but the contact only lasts thru a couple of sentences.
It is really bad - Sittee River has bee wiped out for the most part. Both boats are under water and the new mini excavator has damage. Tom and Sharon's house is ok but the worker's house next door flooded ruining the mattresses etc. Jim was not able to even get out with the van until about 2 hours ago.
A major fairly new high bridge has been washed away and there is no way to get to Punta Gorda or Toledo District. He saw a horse swimming by his house this am. He woke up to the roar of water. There are mudslides.
The electric is out and no one knows for how long, of course. He was able to go to Dangrigia to get some food that doesn't require refrigeration.
Tom and Sharon are in Cancun vacationing with family. Jim says there is no need to tell them as their home is ok and there is nothing they can do from there. They are due back this Thursday. I think that is about everything.
I know it is challenging times for Jim but he's safe and that's the main thing.
Karen
RED CROSS SEEKS ASSISTANCE FOR FLOOD VICTIMS
Another article taken from Belize News ---
(Now I wish I was there to find out who among those we know have been affected. Plus, these times are opportunities to minister. ~ Ray)
June 02, 2008
As the National Emergency Management Organization assesses the damage brought by Tropical Storm Arthur across the country, the Belize Red Cross is asking the public’s assistance in helping the victims of the flooding. Director of the Belize Red Cross, Lily Bowman told us that they are in much need of dry clothing.
Lily Bowman, Director General, Belize Red Cross
“The Red Cross both in Stann Creek and in Orange Walk are preparing hot meals to be distributed to the people in the shelters. They are also getting basic food items like beans, rice flour and these will be given out in packages to be given to those who are displaced but are with families. There is a big request from down south as well as in Orange Walk for clothing. Of course with flood people do not have much things dry and so we are asking the public to please donate and we will be here for 24 hours at the Red Cross Headquarters and we are also asking that in the interest of time to sort them out and not just bring it here so that we can get it out to the people who need it. There is a big need for children’s clothing and pampers and yes can food is always very necessary. We are not giving these items to the people in the shelter because obviously they do not have anywhere to cook it, but we are doing the cooking and we are giving to them in the shelters.
” Bowman also said that besides the clothing and food items, the Belize Red Cross is calling on its volunteers to report in order to help with the relief efforts.
Lily Bowman, Director General, Belize Red Cross
“Yes we are always asking for volunteers and we are asking them to report to the centers. We are also getting ready to distribute blankets down in the South area; in Sittee River, Monkey River, Hope Creek. We are looking to deliver blankets as well and we are constantly doing assessments in the shelters as well as the areas and we are coordinating with NEMO as well.”
Bowman said that they are liaising with the UNICEF office in the country as well as with the Red Cross International Federation who have told them they are now on standby to send relief to Belize.
(Now I wish I was there to find out who among those we know have been affected. Plus, these times are opportunities to minister. ~ Ray)
June 02, 2008
As the National Emergency Management Organization assesses the damage brought by Tropical Storm Arthur across the country, the Belize Red Cross is asking the public’s assistance in helping the victims of the flooding. Director of the Belize Red Cross, Lily Bowman told us that they are in much need of dry clothing.
Lily Bowman, Director General, Belize Red Cross
“The Red Cross both in Stann Creek and in Orange Walk are preparing hot meals to be distributed to the people in the shelters. They are also getting basic food items like beans, rice flour and these will be given out in packages to be given to those who are displaced but are with families. There is a big request from down south as well as in Orange Walk for clothing. Of course with flood people do not have much things dry and so we are asking the public to please donate and we will be here for 24 hours at the Red Cross Headquarters and we are also asking that in the interest of time to sort them out and not just bring it here so that we can get it out to the people who need it. There is a big need for children’s clothing and pampers and yes can food is always very necessary. We are not giving these items to the people in the shelter because obviously they do not have anywhere to cook it, but we are doing the cooking and we are giving to them in the shelters.
” Bowman also said that besides the clothing and food items, the Belize Red Cross is calling on its volunteers to report in order to help with the relief efforts.
Lily Bowman, Director General, Belize Red Cross
“Yes we are always asking for volunteers and we are asking them to report to the centers. We are also getting ready to distribute blankets down in the South area; in Sittee River, Monkey River, Hope Creek. We are looking to deliver blankets as well and we are constantly doing assessments in the shelters as well as the areas and we are coordinating with NEMO as well.”
Bowman said that they are liaising with the UNICEF office in the country as well as with the Red Cross International Federation who have told them they are now on standby to send relief to Belize.
Storm Flooding in Belize
This news story from the area where we will be living in Belize.
Please pray as this may be an all too often occurence.
Ray & Becki
FLOOD VICTIMS RESCUED AND EVACUATED IN THE STANN CREEK DISTRICT
June 02, 2008
Early morning flash floods in the area of Hope Creek in the Stann Creek district have caused several families to evacuate to higher ground. A resident of Pomona, Cecil Baide called us this morning and told us that villagers of Pomona were helping to rescue victims of the flash flood. Baide said one child lost his life as his father was trying to take him to higher ground.
Cecil Baide, rescued flooding victims
“For sure I took the father of a little boy and the little boy is between two and three years old. That little boy, his father could not hold on to him anymore and something just knocked him and he lost his child. Up to right now we cannot locate the child as the water is still high, but that child lost his life noh. This is the Hope Creek area in Stann Creek District. That water had, I believe, about fifteen feet high of water and that cover the main highway that leads to Dangriga. The dad and the child were trying to come out of the water because the house was in water. The houses in the area we call the Old Melinda Station the houses are just about two feet off the ground and the water almost covered those houses. They were trying to come out to come on top or trying to get rescued because this was early in the morning and the river is like five hundred feet from where the houses are.”
Baide says that he along with relatives and other villagers were evacuating people as of three o’clock this morning. According to Baide in total they evacuated over a hundred residents of the area.
Cecil Baide, rescued flooding victims
“We came out like three of clock in the morning along with my brother in law and my cousin and we came out with boats with outboard engine and we rescued the people where the boat could not go, we did it with canoes. What we did is take the mother and the children to the places we thought were higher ground and the fathers stayed behind because they said they can battle it by swimming and then when day light came we tried taking them to higher places because there are some parts of Hope Creek that are higher and there the people got some dry clothes and something to eat. The situation right now is that the water is going down since the water is like eight inches to a foot over the road so bigger vehicles could pass and the water is going down. People are right now trying to get something to eat because it’s a lot of people.”
Please pray as this may be an all too often occurence.
Ray & Becki
FLOOD VICTIMS RESCUED AND EVACUATED IN THE STANN CREEK DISTRICT
June 02, 2008
Early morning flash floods in the area of Hope Creek in the Stann Creek district have caused several families to evacuate to higher ground. A resident of Pomona, Cecil Baide called us this morning and told us that villagers of Pomona were helping to rescue victims of the flash flood. Baide said one child lost his life as his father was trying to take him to higher ground.
Cecil Baide, rescued flooding victims
“For sure I took the father of a little boy and the little boy is between two and three years old. That little boy, his father could not hold on to him anymore and something just knocked him and he lost his child. Up to right now we cannot locate the child as the water is still high, but that child lost his life noh. This is the Hope Creek area in Stann Creek District. That water had, I believe, about fifteen feet high of water and that cover the main highway that leads to Dangriga. The dad and the child were trying to come out of the water because the house was in water. The houses in the area we call the Old Melinda Station the houses are just about two feet off the ground and the water almost covered those houses. They were trying to come out to come on top or trying to get rescued because this was early in the morning and the river is like five hundred feet from where the houses are.”
Baide says that he along with relatives and other villagers were evacuating people as of three o’clock this morning. According to Baide in total they evacuated over a hundred residents of the area.
Cecil Baide, rescued flooding victims
“We came out like three of clock in the morning along with my brother in law and my cousin and we came out with boats with outboard engine and we rescued the people where the boat could not go, we did it with canoes. What we did is take the mother and the children to the places we thought were higher ground and the fathers stayed behind because they said they can battle it by swimming and then when day light came we tried taking them to higher places because there are some parts of Hope Creek that are higher and there the people got some dry clothes and something to eat. The situation right now is that the water is going down since the water is like eight inches to a foot over the road so bigger vehicles could pass and the water is going down. People are right now trying to get something to eat because it’s a lot of people.”
Monday, May 26, 2008
Small Updates that will make a BIG Difference
HI Everyone!
In the midst of packing and sorting and selling and tossing out...
and tossing out and packing and scratching our heads wondering where all this stuff came from...!
A few little notes to help life along, especially once we are in Belize.
EMAIL
We do expect to have internet. However, it will be much less convenient, much slower and at times, just downright challenging. Therefore, please DO write us
but please DO NOT FORWARD things on to us. We will not open them.
We love many of the things that circulate and are encouraged by many
but for the sake of agonizingly slow connections, potential virus issues and use of our time, please do not send forwards to us. (You could print out your favorites and mail them to our new P.O. Box.... or better yet, just bring them yourself!)
SNAIL MAIL
We have an address for receiving mail...you know paper letters, cards and packages.
Ray & Becki Neu
P.O. Box 168
Dangriga (town)
Stann Creek (district)
Belize, Central America ( do not abbreviate to CA as often it then goes to California!)
So, why not be adventurous and send us a little something? We are curious to see how long it takes and how it arrives.
Be sure to ask the post office to send to "Belize"!
MOVING DATE
We are moving out of our side of the duplex this week as it has been rented - Praise God!
We will be staying with Michelle and 2 1/2 year old Christian until we move to Belize.
When is that?
Not sure quite yet but for now, our phones will still be working, so give us a shout !
Love you all
Ray & Becki
In the midst of packing and sorting and selling and tossing out...
and tossing out and packing and scratching our heads wondering where all this stuff came from...!
A few little notes to help life along, especially once we are in Belize.
We do expect to have internet. However, it will be much less convenient, much slower and at times, just downright challenging. Therefore, please DO write us
but please DO NOT FORWARD things on to us. We will not open them.
We love many of the things that circulate and are encouraged by many
but for the sake of agonizingly slow connections, potential virus issues and use of our time, please do not send forwards to us. (You could print out your favorites and mail them to our new P.O. Box.... or better yet, just bring them yourself!)
SNAIL MAIL
We have an address for receiving mail...you know paper letters, cards and packages.
Ray & Becki Neu
P.O. Box 168
Dangriga (town)
Stann Creek (district)
Belize, Central America ( do not abbreviate to CA as often it then goes to California!)
So, why not be adventurous and send us a little something? We are curious to see how long it takes and how it arrives.
Be sure to ask the post office to send to "Belize"!
MOVING DATE
We are moving out of our side of the duplex this week as it has been rented - Praise God!
We will be staying with Michelle and 2 1/2 year old Christian until we move to Belize.
When is that?
Not sure quite yet but for now, our phones will still be working, so give us a shout !
Love you all
Ray & Becki
Thursday, May 15, 2008
A Bible Story Saved Our Lives!!!
While in Belize with the mission team that was working on our house, I had the opportunity to teach a Bible Storying lesson. A number of you have experienced this and may understand the enthusiastic response. It was well received enough that on one ride back to the camp, Leah asked if we could do a Bible story, so I started in on the story of Martha and Mary. As a really good discussion ensued we reached the 7.4 mile dirt road that brings us to Advance Camp. As this road is very bumpy it makes the van very noisy.
I had slowed down to a near crawl in order to allow conversation to continue to be heard. As we came near one bend in the road, we were surprised to see a semi truck barreling our way! Not only was the truck moving very fast but as it came around the curve right in front of us, it also slid sideways and covered the road before the van. I literally had nowhere to go - other than to try to drive off into the jungle, if that would have been possible.
I came to a stop after having moved as far to the right as possible...and waited very brief, anxious moments as the speeding truck flashed past within a couple of feet of our van. The ensuing cloud of dust was nearly as dangerous as we could not see or be seen if any other vehicles had been on the road.
As many such events are, it all happened very quickly. One thing that became very clear to me was that had we not been having this Bible story discussion, I would have been driving at the normal speed for that road -------- and at that speed - we would definitely have had a horrific collision!!
I reviewed the vision of that truck hurtling towards us several times in my mind ---
and always came to the same conclusion....a Bible story saved our lives!!!
Carol, the constant prayer warrior, was not surprised that we were spared since she had prayed in the morning that we would be covered. I know the power and thrill of answered prayer - and I believe that on this day, God covered us by using a Bible story discussion.
Can I say on behalf of all of us - we REALLY appreciate YOUR prayers!
Ray
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
