The Governor of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezamareported that the passage of the tropical storm “Sara” through some regions of the capital Chetumal, has left puddles and some damage due to strong winds.
Through her X account, the governor announced that the center of the storm Tropical is located 145 kilometers from Belize and 245 kilometers south-southeast of Chetumal in Quintana Roo.
Con maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h and gusts of 85 km/h so far, the south of the state is still in blue alert approach; However, both the rains and strong winds have already caused some damage in the capital of Quintana Roo.
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On the afternoon of Saturday, November 16, the state president ordered the evacuation of Chinchorro Banka biosphere reserve known for its corals, located in the municipality of Othon P. Whitedue to the strong winds caused by the proximity of the meteorological phenomenon.
On the other hand, Lezama reported that the State Coordination of Civil Protection of Quintana Roo It is carrying out activities to support citizens in the face of flooding caused by heavy rains, as a result of the approach of “Sara”.
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Some homes in the southern area of Quintana Roo have been damaged by the strong gusts of windso the governor announced that they have taken sheets and help directly to people who have lost their assets for this reason.
The alert will continue in the next few hours, while the tropical storm “Sara” continues to approach Quintana Roo lands, so the authorities ask the population to remain attentive to the warnings of official sourcesas well as report any incident.
Emergency teams and @ProtCivil_QRoo They are attending to the reports of the Chetumaleñ@sdue to the rains in the south of #QuintanaRoogiven the proximity of the #TormentaTropical 🌀 #Sara.
If you need help, contact us at 911. Let’s continue taking precautions and… pic.twitter.com/DV3ge5HJt2
— Mara Lezama (@MaraLezama) November 17, 2024
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What safety measures should residents take during a tropical storm like Sara?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Meteorology Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today we have with us Dr. Elena Martinez, a meteorology expert who will help us unpack the implications of Tropical Storm Sara as it impacts Quintana Roo and surrounding regions. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Martinez.
Dr. Elena Martinez: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here and discuss such an important topic.
Time.news Editor: So, let’s start with the basics. Can you tell us about the parameters of Tropical Storm Sara as reported recently?
Dr. Elena Martinez: Absolutely. Tropical Storm Sara currently has maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 85 km/h. As of now, it’s centered about 145 kilometers from Belize and 245 kilometers south-southeast of Chetumal, the capital of Quintana Roo. This proximity is what has led to significant weather effects in the region.
Time.news Editor: The governor of Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama, mentioned a “blue alert” status. What does that signify for residents in affected areas?
Dr. Elena Martinez: A blue alert usually indicates that the affected regions should be vigilant about the potential for severe weather. In this case, it reflects that residents should prepare for heavy rains, strong winds, and flooding—especially since other regions are already experiencing damage.
Time.news Editor: We’ve already seen reports of damage from the storm, including flooding and destroyed homes. What causes these types of damages during a tropical storm?
Dr. Elena Martinez: Tropical storms can produce heavy rainfall over a short period, resulting in flash flooding. The storm’s strong winds can also uproot trees, damage roofs, and cause debris flows in vulnerable areas. Once the storm passes, the saturated ground can lead to even more risks, like landslides especially in more hilly terrains.
Time.news Editor: The governor also ordered the evacuation of Chinchorro Bank due to the potential hazards. How critical is this step during storms like Sara?
Dr. Elena Martinez: Evacuations are crucial in mitigating loss of life and safeguarding residents. Biosphere reserves like Chinchorro Bank are particularly vulnerable because of their unique ecosystems and the potential for storm surge. It’s a proactive measure that prioritizes safety before the situation escalates.
Time.news Editor: The State Coordination of Civil Protection is reportedly mobilizing efforts to assist residents affected by the flooding. What kind of support can these agencies typically provide in situations like this?
Dr. Elena Martinez: Civil protection agencies are vital during these emergencies. They provide immediate assistance such as shelters for evacuated residents, distribute food and medical supplies, and conduct search and rescue operations as needed. They also disseminate important safety information throughout the crisis.
Time.news Editor: Given that storms like Sara can be unpredictable, how can residents best prepare for such events in the future?
Dr. Elena Martinez: Preparation is key. Residents should have an emergency kit ready, including water, non-perishable food, medications, and flashlights. It’s also vital to stay informed through local news and meteorological updates. Understanding evacuation routes and having a family plan can make a huge difference in ensuring safety during severe weather.
Time.news Editor: what steps can governments take to better manage the impacts of tropical storms like Sara in the long run?
Dr. Elena Martinez: Governments need to invest in climate resilience programs and infrastructure that can withstand extreme weather. This includes improved drainage systems, flood defenses, and emergency response capabilities. Furthermore, public education about disaster preparedness can empower communities to respond effectively when storms strike.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Martinez, for sharing your insights with us today. Tropical Storm Sara is a stark reminder of nature’s power, and your expertise helps us understand how best to respond.
Dr. Elena Martinez: Thank you for having me! Let’s hope for a swift recovery for the affected communities in Quintana Roo.
Time.news Editor: And that wraps up our discussion, folks. Stay safe, stay informed, and we’ll keep you updated on the developments surrounding Tropical Storm Sara. Thank you for tuning in to Time.news!