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Belize

United Nations Emergency Technical Team (UNETT) No. 02 (as of 4 August 2016)

Attachments

Highlights

  • The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has declared the ALL CLEAR phase for the country of Belize.

  • The center of now Tropical Storm Earl was located near latitude 17.2 North, longitude 89.9 West or about 50 miles west of Belize City. Earl continues to weaken as it tracks westward away from Belize.

  • The priority focuses on search and rescue, medical care, sheltering and looking after people affected, clearing of debris along the highways, restoration of utilities, inspection of airports and seaports.

Situation Overview

The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) in the country has issued an ‘ALL Clear” for the country of Belize. NEMO has much concern over the serious sufferings endured by thousands of Belizeans and the devastation of homes, businesses, government and private buildings. Major infrastructure and building damage, many roads and streets are blocked in San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Belize City, and Ladyville, Belize River Valley, Orange Walk, Belmopan and other affected areas.

The City Emergency Management Organization (CEMO), the Police and eventually the Belize Defence Force (BDF), responded to over 100 search and rescue requests under extremely dangerous conditions in the middle of the Hurricane. Neighbour to neighbour assistance and care giving, highlighted the Belizean spirit of in the face of danger.

Roofing and broken lumber, down trees, electrical wires, splinters and nails are strewn all over the San Pedro, Caye Caulker Cayes, Belize City, Ladyville, Lords Bank and River Valley where there is extensive damage.

NEMO is now responding to flash flooding in the Cayo District. Communities along the Macal and Mopan River must seek higher ground immediately. All dams are at flood stage and more shelters are presently being opened as people are still seeking shelter because of flooded homes.

  • Over 1000 people are displaced in Belize City, with approximately 550 children being affected and are crowded in the 13 shelters in the city.

  • Work is on its way to restore the transportation system which should be fully operational at 2:00pm.

  • Only northern portion of the country has electricity and the Belize Electricity Limited will announce at 1:30pm its plans for restoration of power for the rest of the country.

  • Ministry of Health declares that hospitals and clinics are working well and were not affected in the hurricane.

  • The Philip Goldson International airport will resume operations later today.

  • The National Executive Committee is currently in session to determine next steps and priorities.

  • Initial reports indicate that Belize City – where most of the country’s population is concentrated – has extensive flooding and may have structural damage, especially to low-income wooden housing.

  • There may be substantial damages to agriculture.