Belize |
Disaster Assistance at a Glance
Recent Disaster Declaration:
Floods, Tropical Storm
OFDA Response:
Emergency relief supplies
OFDA Preparedness:
Disaster preparedness, capacity building
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Most Recent Disaster Declaration:
Floods, 10-27-2008
Beginning October 14, Tropical Depression Sixteen passed over Central America, resulting in heavy rainfall and life-threatening floods in at least 24 communities along the Mopán, Macal, and Belize rivers in central and western Belize. As of October 27, heavy rainfall and associated flooding had affected approximately 38,000 people, including at least 400 individuals who were evacuated from affected areas. According to the Government of Belize National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO), floods damaged more than 130 houses in Cayo, the most-affected district. Continuous rainfall and flooding also resulted in the suspension of classes in Cayo, Belize, Stann Creek, and Toledo districts, affecting more than 62,000 children. On October 28, the U.N. Country Team in Belize reported additional rising water levels in the Belize River Valley and on the Hondo River, along the northern border with Mexico. NEMO indicated that a full assessment of affected areas in Belize is needed, but cannot be achieved until water levels recede.
On October 27, U.S. Ambassador Robert J. Dieter issued a disaster declaration due to the effects of the flooding. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $50,000 through the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan to the Belize Red Cross for local procurement of emergency relief supplies.
Additional Disaster Declarations:
Tropical Storm, 06-05-2007
On May 31, Tropical Storm Arthur made landfall on the Yucatan Peninsula, affecting all districts of Belize. The Prime Minister of Belize declared all of Stann Creek District and parts of Belize District disaster areas. From June 3 to 5, approximately 15 inches of rain fell throughout the country, causing rivers in the Corozal, Orange Walk, Belize, and Stann Creek districts to overflow. On June 5, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies stated that flooding in these areas had killed seven people, destroyed several major bridges, damaged houses, and affected approximately 10,000 people. The Government of Belize National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) provided relief supplies to affected areas and pre-positioned containers of emergency food supplies at strategic locations across the country.
On June 5, U.S. Ambassador Robert J. Dieter declared a disaster due to the effects of Tropical Storm Arthur. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $25,000 through the U.S. Embassy in Belmopan to the Belize Red Cross for the local purchase and transport of relief supplies. In addition, USAID/OFDA transported relief commodities from its Miami warehouse to Belize City for distribution by the Belize Red Cross. A USAID/OFDA representative in Belize worked with NEMO and the Belize Red Cross to assess conditions and provide updates on affected areas.
Hurricane, 08-23-2007
From August 20 to 21, Hurricane Dean made landfall approximately 40 miles north of the Belize–Mexico border as a category five storm on the Saffir-Simpson scale. According to the Government of Belize (GOB), high winds and heavy rains resulting from the hurricane have caused significant damage to housing and agriculture in the northern districts of Corozal and Orange Walk, which the GOB declared disaster areas on August 21. Preliminary assessments by the GOB reported that the hurricane damaged more than 1,500 houses, rendering approximately 2,000 people homeless in northern districts and causing an estimated $5 million in damage. Initial aerial estimates also indicated that the storm destroyed the entire export papaya crop, valued at more than $20 million, and caused at least $1.2 million in damage to sugar crops, affecting the livelihoods of small farmers.
On August 23, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Leonard A. Hill declared a disaster in Belize due to the impact of Hurricane Dean. In response, USAID/OFDA allocated $50,000 through the U.S. Embassy in Belize to support the GOB relief efforts. In addition, USAID/OFDA provided emergency relief supplies, valued at nearly $87,000 including transport, to the Belize Red Cross for hurricane-affected populations in northern Belize. These commodities included 500 wool blankets, 1,056 hygiene kits, 100 rolls of plastic sheeting, and 5 chainsaw kits. A two-member USAID/OFDA emergency team in Belize conducted assessment and identified needs in conjunction with the GOB’s National Emergency Management Organization. On August 21 and 22, U.S. Embassy staff carried out aerial assessments utilizing U.S. military helicopters.
For information on USAID's hurricane recovery and reconstruction programs, please see here.
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