The country of Belize is still recovering from Hurricane Earl and will be for a while in spite of our ever present resilience and bounce back abilities.
The category 1 storm with maximum winds at approximately 80 mph left thousands facing massive clean-up and caused millions of dollars in damages countrywide. Earl made landfall just south of Belize City, not long after being upgraded from a tropical storm to a category one hurricane. The effects were being felt on the islands and coastal areas of Belize from late evening Wednesday, August 3 with the hard hit being very early Thursday, August 4th.
Homes in San Mateo suffered a great deal of damage. About six were completely leveled and a few more had severe damage. San Pedro Red Cross is currently working with the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) to assist the affected persons here on the island. However because of the magnitude of damages inland, Belize Red Cross is focusing on the mainland more and has stepped back to allow NEMO to take the lead on the island. They are however sending staff from Headquarters to talk to the affected families, and provide disaster coping strategies.
Out on the beachfront, many business owners weren’t so lucky. Based on what I saw first hand it seems like at least 85% or more of the docks were torn up or completely gone.
Countless peoples hearts are sad worldwide for two popular local downtown businesses, Palapa Bar & Grill and Ecologic Divers. Their buildings and docks did not make it through the storm.
It will cost thousands to repair, and unknown losses in revenue during the down time for businesses that were badly affected by the Hurricane
Many people have contacted me about their upcoming travel plans wondering if they should postpone or not. If you are planning a trip it is totally your call. However, the community could use your support to help us get back to normal as best we can.
It is truly amazing the amount of power that Mother Nature can generate. Many of us agreed just how small and insignificant we are by comparison. I am just thankful that so far no severe injuries or loss of life have been reported.
Recovery Help
If you are in the country and want to help there is an official Belize Red Cross (BRC) Disaster Relief account in place.
You can make your donation to the BRC disaster account at Scotia Bank Belize account in name of Belize Red Cross Disaster Account – 9141645 Please make note what area of the country you are looking for your Hurricane Earl donation to go to.
Helping Hurricane Earl Victims through Lions Club, Check Donations can be made payable to:
San Pedro Lions Club Atlantic Bank Account #211 3829 02 (Can be used for wire transfers from abroad) Lions telephone number 011-501-226-2477
For those outside Belize who want to help here is a countrywide option – Hurricane Earl Belize Victim Relief. This was created by the Consulate of Belize in Florida on behalf of the Embassy of Belize in Washington, DC and all of the Missions and Consulates of Belize Abroad.
These pictures are from August 6, 2016. You will see San Pedro is back to blue skies and gorgeous weather. People are doing their best to work together so we can all return to a normal quality of life as fast as we can.
Sure thing Mary. The island and it’s people are working hard to return to normal as best we can.
Anytime Aileen. Thanks for sharing. Depends which school, areas like San Mateo and San Pedrito will fare a lot worse than town and south area schools and neighborhoods where the kids live.
Thanks so much for all of the information and pix. So sad to see the devastation and know that our new found friends are suffering….wishing all the best to them and the beautiful island.
Thanks Lori………. I’ve shared on my page asking anyone that can to help.
What is the outcome for the kids for school? I know that may sound a bit funny to some, but I remember the board planks and kids having to walk across them to get into school at times. Also books etc.?
So wishing there was so much more i could do to help…….
Prayers!
Anytime Lily.
Thanks for the great info on donation options! I had been looking for that. Shared on my page.
Wish I could be there to help, but looking forward to being back in Belize next month.