Belize's Hurricane Problem

Belize is vulnerable to hurricanes, storms, flooding, wind damage, and storm surges, with the hurricane season typically lasting from June to November. On average, hurricanes occur about seven times a year in Belize, although they don't always make landfall. The country's low-lying terrain exacerbates the effects of flooding and sea level rise, and its location in Central America means it is often impacted by storms.

Since 1930, there have been 16 hurricanes in Belize, eight of which were major hurricanes. The country has also experienced 17 tropical storms. The deadliest hurricane to impact Belize was in 1931, when a storm hit Belize City, killing approximately 2,500 people. Other notable hurricanes include Hurricane Hattie in 1961, which led to the relocation of the country's capital to Belmopan, and more recently, Hurricane Lisa in 2022, which caused extensive damage.

Belize's hurricane history

Belize is vulnerable to hurricanes, storms, flooding, wind damage, and storm surges, especially in the low-lying areas of Belize City and Corozal. The hurricane season in Belize usually lasts from early June to late November, and on average, hurricanes occur about seven times a year. However, hurricanes often do not make landfall in Belize, but turn northward beforehand, with the remnants causing gusts of wind and rain.

Since 1930, there have been 16 hurricanes that have either made landfall in Belize or passed close enough to cause damage or loss of life, eight of which were major hurricanes. The country's location in Central America leads many to believe that hurricanes are uncommon in Belize, but the country has been impacted by several devastating storms in the past.

British Honduras Hurricane (1931)

The British Honduras Hurricane was the deadliest storm in Belize's history, killing an estimated 2,500 people. It made landfall in Belize City on 10 September 1931, with maximum sustained winds of 135 mph (215 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 952 mbar. The storm surge and strong winds generated by the hurricane damaged an estimated 70% of all buildings in Belize City, and the agriculture sector was almost completely wiped out.

Hurricane Hattie (1961)

Thirty years after the devastation of the British Honduras Hurricane, Belize was again struck by a powerful storm. Hurricane Hattie, a Category 4 hurricane, made landfall just south of Belize City on 31 October 1961. The hurricane brought strong winds and a storm surge that destroyed over 70% of buildings in Belize City, and the citrus, timber, cocoa, and banana industries were nearly obliterated. Approximately 307 people died in Belize as a result of Hattie, and the devastation forced the government to relocate the country's capital to the newly constructed city of Belmopan, further inland and on higher ground.

Hurricane Keith (2000)

The first hurricane season of the new millennium brought destruction to Belize with the arrival of Hurricane Keith. The storm made landfall in Belize as a strong Category 4 hurricane, destroying homes and severely affecting essential infrastructure such as the electricity grid and telephone services. Damage was estimated to be over $280 million, and there were 19 deaths attributed to the hurricane.

Hurricane Iris (2001)

Hurricane Iris was a small but powerful Category 4 hurricane with 145 mph winds when it made landfall in Belize on 9 October 2001. Iris destroyed over 80% of homes and infrastructure in the poor Toledo and Stann Creek Districts, and authorities attributed 28 deaths to the hurricane.

Hurricane Lisa (2022)

On 2 November 2022, Hurricane Lisa made landfall in Belize, causing extensive damage to the Belize district and significant damage to the Cayo District. Hurricane Lisa severely affected the 94,271 residents of the Belize District.

The impact of hurricanes on Belize

Belize is vulnerable to hurricanes, storms, flooding, wind damage, and storm surges, and these natural disasters have had a significant impact on the country. On average, hurricanes occur about seven times a year in Belize, although they do not always make landfall. The most affected regions are Belize and Corozal.

Belize's hurricane season usually lasts from early June to late November, and during this time, hurricanes and tropical storms can cause extensive damage, serious injuries, and deaths. The country's low-lying terrain exacerbates the effects of flooding, and sea level rise remains a threat. The World Bank's Natural Disaster Hotspot study ranks Belize as the 61st highest exposed country for relative mortality risk from multiple hazards globally and 8th out of 167 countries for climate risk.

Belize has experienced several devastating hurricanes, including:

• Hurricane Iris in 2001, which destroyed over 80% of homes and infrastructure in the poor Toledo and Stann Creek Districts, and caused 28 deaths.
• Hurricane Hattie in 1961, a Category 4 hurricane that brought strong winds and a storm surge, destroying over 70% of buildings in Belize City. The hurricane also obliterated the citrus, timber, cocoa, and banana industries, and resulted in approximately 307 deaths.
• The British Honduras Hurricane in 1931, the deadliest storm in Belize's history, which claimed an estimated 2,500 lives. This hurricane also struck Belize City, damaging an estimated 70% of all buildings.
• Hurricane Lisa in 2022, which made landfall in Belize, causing extensive damage to the Belize district and significant damage to the Cayo District.
• Hurricane Keith in 2000, which destroyed homes and severely affected essential infrastructure such as the electricity grid and telephone services. The hurricane resulted in an estimated $280 million in damage and 19 deaths.

In addition to the human toll, hurricanes in Belize have also had significant economic and social impacts. The agriculture sector, a vital industry in Belize, has often been severely affected by these storms, and the capital city had to be relocated further inland to higher ground following the devastation of Hurricane Hattie in 1961.

Hurricane preparation in Belize

Belize is a country located on the northeastern coast of Central America, with a long coastline along the Caribbean Sea. This location makes it particularly vulnerable to hurricanes, which occur frequently in the region. On average, hurricanes hit Belize about once a decade, but the country is also affected by tropical storms and hurricanes that do not make landfall. The hurricane season in Belize typically lasts from early June to late November, with the peak season falling between August and October.

• Stay informed: It is crucial to stay updated on weather forecasts and advisories from official sources such as the National Meteorological Service of Belize and the National Hurricane Center. Familiarize yourself with the three hurricane phases (Alert, Watch, and Warning) and be prepared to act accordingly.
• Evacuation and shelter: Residents and visitors in vulnerable areas, such as the cayes and coastal regions, should follow evacuation orders and seek shelter inland or in designated hurricane shelters. Have an evacuation plan in place and familiarise yourself with evacuation routes.
• Travel insurance: Before travelling to Belize during hurricane season, check if your travel insurance covers trip cancellations or interruptions due to hurricanes. Consider purchasing additional coverage if necessary.
• Emergency kit: Packing a hurricane preparedness kit is essential. This kit should include essentials like water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, a portable charger, and copies of important documents.
• Follow instructions: During a hurricane warning, follow the instructions of local authorities and seek shelter as advised. If you are in a designated safe area, stay indoors and away from windows and exterior doors.
• Protect your belongings: Use waterproof bags to protect your belongings from rain and wind. If you are a resident, consider ways to protect your property, such as installing hurricane shutters or reinforcing your roof.
• Monitor multiple sources: Stay connected to local news and weather updates through various channels, including the internet, telephone, and radio.
• Hotel and resort procedures: If you are staying in a hotel or resort, familiarise yourself with their emergency procedures. Most establishments will have plans in place to ensure the safety of their guests.
• Be patient and understanding: In the aftermath of a hurricane, services and transportation may be disrupted. Be prepared for potential changes to your travel plans and remain patient as the community recovers.

By following these preparations and staying informed, you can help ensure your safety and well-being during hurricane season in Belize.

The three hurricane phases

Belize is vulnerable to hurricanes, storms, flooding, wind damage, and storm surges, with the hurricane season typically lasting from early June to late November. Since 1930, there have been 16 hurricanes in Belize, eight of which were major hurricanes.

Hurricanes are formed by the fusion of several factors, including the evaporation that occurs over tropical ocean waters. As the air heats up, a large mass of warm rain clouds forms over the ocean.

Birth of a Tropical Cyclone

These storms typically form over warm waters, developing from pre-existing disturbances that emerge from the African coast approximately every three to four days during the hurricane season. Tropical cyclones can also be formed from the trailing end of a cold front or an upper-level low system.

Three conditions are necessary for the formation and development of a tropical cyclone:

• A pre-existing disturbance that contains thunderstorms.
• Warm ocean temperatures of at least 80 degrees from the surface to a depth of 150 feet.
• Light upper-level winds with little to no change in speed and direction throughout the depth of the atmosphere, resulting in low wind shear.

Growth and Maturity

In this stage, the storm strengthens and intensifies. As long as sustained winds do not exceed 38 mph, the storm remains a tropical depression. However, it will start to acquire a hurricane-like spiral appearance due to the Earth's rotation and wind flow.

As the storm continues to strengthen, it becomes a tropical storm with sustained winds between 39 and 73 mph. Thunderstorm bands provide the added heat and moisture to fuel the storm's development.

End of the Storm

Several factors can contribute to the weakening and eventual demise of a hurricane, including wind shear, cooler and drier areas, and friction from passing over land, which reduces the storm's surface circulation.

However, it is important to note that hurricanes can easily regain strength if they move back into open waters. The Gulf of Mexico, particularly the Loop Current area, is an especially conducive region for hurricane development and strengthening due to its warm waters.

Hurricanes and their impact on Belize's agriculture

Belize, a Caribbean country located on the northeastern coast of Central America, is prone to hurricanes, storms, and associated flooding, wind damage, and storm surges. The country's low-lying terrain exacerbates the impact of these natural disasters, particularly in Belize City. On average, hurricanes occur about seven times a year in Belize, but they don't always make landfall, often turning northward beforehand. However, the remnants of these storms can still cause gusts of wind and rain. Since 1930, sixteen hurricanes have made landfall in Belize or passed close enough to cause damage or loss of life, with eight of them being categorised as major hurricanes.

Belize's hurricane season usually spans from early June to late November. The country experiences a major hurricane strike about once a decade. The most recent tropical cyclone to hit Belize was Hurricane Lisa in November 2022.

Hurricanes have had a significant impact on Belize's agriculture and crops. In August 2001, Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall in northern Belize, generating strong winds and moderate rainfall. The combination of winds and flooding caused damage to crops and agriculture, with rainfall peaking at 9.81 inches.

In October 2001, Hurricane Iris made landfall in Monkey River Town, Belize, as a small but powerful Category 4 hurricane with 145-mile-per-hour winds. The storm caused extensive damage to the country's agricultural sector, destroying most livestock, 25% of the shrimping industry's catch, and inundating large areas of farmland. Losses in the agricultural industry were estimated at $74.5 million.

In August 2007, Hurricane Dean made landfall just north of Belize, bringing strong winds, rain, and storm surges. The crop industry in Belize suffered significant losses, with nearly $30 million worth of papaya and $3.6 million worth of sugar damaged by the storm.

In August 2016, Hurricane Earl made landfall in Belize as a Category 1 hurricane, causing extensive damage. Losses to agriculture exceeded $100 million.

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