Belize's Past Natural Disasters

Belize, a small Central American country nestled on the northeastern coast, has experienced a range of natural disasters throughout its history, with hurricanes being the most notable. Since records began in 1851, 16 hurricanes have made landfall or passed close enough to cause significant damage, with eight of these being classified as major hurricanes. The country's long, low-lying coastline lies within the trajectories of late-season hurricanes, making it particularly vulnerable to their destructive forces.

The most devastating hurricane in Belize's history occurred in 1931 when a Category 4 storm struck Belize City, resulting in the loss of approximately 2,500 lives. This hurricane remains the deadliest natural disaster in the country's history. Another notable hurricane, Hurricane Hattie in 1961, caused enough damage to force the relocation of the capital city from Belize City to the safer inland location of Belmopan. More recently, in 2007, Hurricane Dean made landfall just north of Belize as a Category 5 hurricane, bringing strong winds, rain, and storm surges, impacting the country's crop industry.

In addition to hurricanes, Belize has also experienced other natural disasters such as flooding and storm surges. The country's low-lying terrain exacerbates the effects of flooding, and sea level rise poses a significant threat. Belize is also vulnerable to extreme temperature events and is at risk of earthquakes, although to a lesser extent compared to neighbouring countries.

Hurricanes

Belize, a country located on the northeastern coast of Central America, is vulnerable to hurricanes, storms, and the associated flooding, wind damage, and storm surges. The country's low-lying terrain makes it particularly susceptible to the effects of flooding and sea level rise. Since 1851, when records began, 16 hurricanes have made landfall in Belize, eight of which were major hurricanes. Here is a detailed overview of some of the significant hurricanes that have struck Belize in the past:

Hurricane Janet (1955)

Hurricane Janet was a Category 5 hurricane that hit Belize in 1955. It brought devastating winds of up to 175 mph, resulting in massive flooding in the northern districts. The hurricane caused 16 deaths and left 20,000 people homeless. It was one of only two hurricanes of Category 5 strength to hit Belize since records began.

1931 British Honduras Hurricane

In September 1931, a Category 4 hurricane struck Belize City, resulting in the deaths of approximately 2,500 people. With winds of up to 135 mph, this hurricane remains the deadliest in Belize's history.

Hurricane Hattie (1961)

Hurricane Hattie made landfall in Belize on October 31, 1961. The hurricane caused extensive damage, particularly to Belize City, leading to the decision to move the capital city inland to Belmopan. Hattie's storm surge reached 13 feet, and the winds gusting up to 200 mph left three-quarters of the area destroyed.

Hurricane Keith (2000)

Hurricane Keith was a powerful Category 4 hurricane that stalled off the shore of Belize in October 2000. It caused significant damage, with winds of up to 135 mph and heavy flooding. The storm resulted in 19 fatalities and approximately $280 million in damage.

Hurricane Iris (2001)

Hurricane Iris made landfall in Monkey River Town, Belize, in October 2001, as a small but intense Category 4 hurricane with winds of 145 mph. The hurricane caused extensive damage, with nearly 95% of buildings in some areas being heavily damaged or destroyed. Thirty-one people lost their lives due to the storm, including 20 people on a dive boat that capsized.

Hurricane Dean (2007)

Hurricane Dean was another Category 5 hurricane that made landfall just north of Belize in August 2007. While the damage was less than expected, the storm severely impacted the crop industry, with millions of dollars in losses for papaya and sugar crops.

Hurricane Lisa (2022)

Hurricane Lisa was the most recent tropical cyclone to hit Belize, making landfall in November 2022. It caused extensive damage with winds of up to 85 mph.

Tropical Storms

Belize, a small Central American nation, is vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes due to its location in the path of Atlantic Tropical Cyclones. Since 1930, 17 systems have made landfall in Belize as tropical storms, with the country experiencing around one major hurricane every decade.

Tropical Storm Seven (1931)

Tropical Storm Seven, later known as The San Ciprian Hurricane, made landfall in Northern Belize on October 1st. It caused 225 deaths and $30 million in damage.

Storm Eight (1931)

Storm Eight formed northeast of Honduras on October 7th and made landfall in Belize as a tropical storm on October 10th.

Storm Fourteen (Date Unknown)

Storm Fourteen developed into a tropical storm in the western Caribbean Sea off the coast of Guatemala. It strengthened into a hurricane and made landfall in Mexico, impacting Northern Belize and offshore Cayes.

Storm Seventeen (Date Unknown)

Storm Seventeen formed from an area of disturbed weather east of Costa Rica. It tracked north-northwest and made landfall in east-central Belize as a tropical storm on September 30th.

Storm Two (Date Unknown)

Storm Two carved a path of catastrophic flooding through Central America and Belize as a tropical storm. It is estimated that 3,000 people died in the floods.

Storm Five (Date Unknown)

Storm Five formed off the north coast of Honduras and crossed into Belize as a tropical storm.

Storm Six (Date Unknown)

Storm Six formed east of Bluefields, Nicaragua, and moved northwestward, making landfall in Belize as a tropical storm on September 19th.

Storm Four (1941)

In 1941, Storm Four formed northeast of Barbados and moved west-northwest, striking northern Belize as a weakening tropical storm. Around 30-50 people died in what became known as the Central America Hurricane of 1941.

Storm Ten (Date Unknown)

The final storm of the season, Storm Ten, formed in the western Caribbean Sea and curved northwest, clipping the coast of southern Belize and making landfall in Guatemala.

Tropical Storm Gilda (1953)

Tropical Storm Gilda formed in the Central Caribbean Sea and moved westward, reaching peak winds of 70 mph before hitting Belize on September 27th. Gilda caused heavy rains, flooding, 29 deaths, and extensive flooding.

Tropical Storm Abby (1960)

The tropical depression that became Hurricane Abby developed east of the Lesser Antilles. Abby weakened to a tropical storm and became better organised while approaching Belize, reaching peak winds of 85 mph before hitting the country on July 15th, 1960. Abby dissipated the next day over Mexico, causing $600,000 in damage and six deaths in St Lucia.

Hurricane Anna (1955)

Hurricane Anna reached peak winds of 115 mph in the Southwest Caribbean on July 21st, 1955. After landfall in Honduras, Anna weakened and crossed into Belize as a minimal hurricane on July 24th, dissipating shortly thereafter.

Tropical Storm Chantal (2001)

Tropical Storm Chantal developed from a tropical wave in the tropical Atlantic Ocean on August 14th, 2001. It tracked rapidly westward and degenerated into a tropical wave before passing through the Windward Islands. Chantal reached a peak intensity of 70 mph but never obtained hurricane status. On August 21st, it made landfall near the border of Mexico and Belize, dissipating the next day.

Tropical Storm Arthur (2008)

Tropical Storm Arthur began in the Eastern Pacific and was named by the NHC on May 29th, 2008. Arthur was the first storm of the 2008 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

Tropical Storm Matthew (2010)

Tropical Storm Matthew made landfall near the Nicaragua/Honduras border on September 24th, retaining tropical storm intensity even after crossing mountainous terrain in Honduras. It made a second landfall in Southern Belize on September 25th.

Tropical Storm Harvey (2011)

Tropical Storm Harvey was the only tropical cyclone of the 2011 season to make landfall in Belize. It brought high winds and heavy rain to Dangriga, Belize, but there were no reports of damage or casualties.

Tropical Storm Barry (2013)

Tropical Storm Barry produced heavy rainfall and flooding across Central America, the Yucatan Peninsula, and eastern Mexico. The flooding resulted in five direct deaths.

Hurricane Earl (2016)

Hurricane Earl formed from a tropical wave south of Jamaica on August 2nd, 2016. Earl strengthened into an 80 mph hurricane before making landfall in Belize on August 4th. It weakened while moving across the Yucatan Peninsula but re-intensified in the Bay of Campeche. Earl dissipated after moving ashore in Vera Cruz on August 6th.

Earthquakes

Belize has relatively few earthquakes compared to other countries. On average, the country experiences about 8.4 quakes of magnitude 2.0 or higher per year. Since 2024, Belize has had nine quakes of magnitudes above 2 and up to 4.2.

• On June 27, 1985, a magnitude 4.7 earthquake occurred offshore of Belize.
• On April 2, 2023, a magnitude 4.6 earthquake occurred 2km north of Orange Walk.
• On October 27, 2023, a magnitude 4.3 earthquake occurred 36km west of Ladyville.
• On January 22, 2024, a magnitude 4.0 earthquake occurred 6.2km from Lívingston.
• On November 11, 2023, a magnitude 4.3 earthquake occurred 37.2km from El Estor.
• On October 14, 2023, a magnitude 4.3 earthquake occurred 7.2km from Morales.
• On April 16, 2020, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake occurred 133km north of Trujillo, Honduras.
• On May 17, 2023, a magnitude 6.4 earthquake occurred 294km southwest of San Ignacio.
• On February 4, 1976, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake occurred 260km south-southwest of Belize City. This was the strongest earthquake to occur near Belize since 1900.

Floods

Belize is vulnerable to flooding, especially in Belize City, due to its low-lying terrain. The country's flat landscape means that the effects of flooding and rising sea levels are exacerbated.

In October 2023, heavy rainfall caused flooding in parts of Belize City, with the Municipal Airstrip recording two inches of rain. The same month, the Belize, Mopan, and Roaring Rivers were placed under flood warning. The Ministry of Education suspended in-person classes countrywide due to the flooding.

In August 2017, Hurricane Franklin hit Belize, causing flooding in Belize City. The Belize River rose to a record level of 21 feet in width, isolating 15 villages.

In 2016, Hurricane Earl caused extensive damage to agriculture in Belize, with losses exceeding $100 million.

In 2011, Tropical Storm Harvey caused minor wind damage and severe flooding in Belize, dropping nearly eight inches of rain.

In 2010, Hurricane Richard caused power outages and extensive damage to crops and roads in Belize. Initial damage estimates were placed at BZ$49.2 million, with BZ$34.7 million in losses to agriculture and BZ$14.5 million in damage to homes.

In 2007, Hurricane Dean made landfall just north of Belize, bringing strong winds, rain, and storm surges. The crop industry in Belize was heavily impacted, with almost 30 million BZ dollars worth of papaya and 3.6 million BZ dollars of sugar damaged.

In 2001, Hurricane Iris made landfall in Monkey River Town, Belize, as a Category 4 hurricane with 145 mph winds. The storm caused 24 deaths and $250 million in damage. About 95% of buildings in 35 villages were destroyed, leaving around 15,000 people homeless. The storm also damaged tourist areas, including the Maya ruins of Belize, and 20% of hotel rooms.

In 1974, Hurricane Fifi made landfall in Belize as a Category 2 storm with winds of 85 to 120 mph. The storm caused massive flooding in the northern districts, leading to 16 deaths and 20,000 people left homeless.

In 1961, Hurricane Hattie caused enough damage to Belize City that the capital was forced to move inland to Belmopan.

In 1955, Hurricane Janet produced massive flooding in the northern districts of Belize, resulting in 16 deaths and 20,000 people left homeless.

In 1953, Tropical Storm Gilda caused heavy rains and flooding in Belize, leading to 29 deaths.

Belize has experienced numerous other hurricanes and tropical storms since 1930, with the deadliest being a Category 4 hurricane that struck Belize City in 1931, killing approximately 2,500 people.

Storm Surges

Vulnerability to Storm Surges

Belize is highly susceptible to storm surges, especially in the Belize City area. The country's flat topography and low-lying areas exacerbate the impacts of storm surges, leading to increased flooding. This vulnerability is further compounded by the country's location, as it borders the Caribbean Sea to the east, making it prone to the impacts of tropical cyclones and hurricanes.

Historical Storm Surges

Belize has a history of powerful storms, including hurricanes and tropical storms, that have resulted in significant storm surges. Here are some notable examples:

• Hurricane Hattie (1961): This hurricane caused extensive damage to Belize City, leading to the relocation of the capital city inland. The storm surge from Hurricane Hattie was responsible for a significant loss of life, with over 400 fatalities, and left thousands of people homeless.
• Hurricane Keith (2000): Hurricane Keith stalled off the shore of Belize, generating a 4-foot (1.2-meter) storm surge in Caye Caulker. This storm surge, coupled with strong winds and heavy rainfall, resulted in substantial damage to infrastructure and agriculture.
• Hurricane Iris (2001): Hurricane Iris made landfall as a powerful Category 4 hurricane, producing a storm surge of 14 feet. This storm caused widespread destruction, with nearly 95% of buildings in Placencia being damaged or destroyed. The storm surge, coupled with high winds, resulted in extensive damage to infrastructure and the agricultural sector.
• Hurricane Dean (2007): Hurricane Dean made landfall just north of Belize, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall, and a storm surge. While the overall damage was less than expected, the storm severely impacted the crop industry, causing significant economic losses.
• Tropical Storm Arthur (2008): This storm caused heavy rains and gusty winds in excess of 40 knots in several districts, including Ambergris Caye and Corozal. While there were no direct casualties, the storm led to initial economic losses estimated at BZ$2.5 million.
• Hurricane Richard (2010): Hurricane Richard battered Belize with winds of up to 90 miles per hour and torrential rainfall. It caused extensive damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and villages, with initial damage estimates exceeding BZ$49.2 million.

Preparedness and Mitigation

Given the vulnerability of Belize to storm surges and hurricanes, preparedness and mitigation measures are crucial. Here are some key strategies:

• Developing and implementing effective early warning systems and emergency response plans.
• Strengthening coastal infrastructure, such as seawalls and piers, to withstand storm surges.
• Establishing and maintaining natural coastal barriers, such as mangroves and coral reefs, which can help dissipate wave energy and reduce the impact of storm surges.
• Educating communities about the risks associated with storm surges and hurricanes, and providing training on preparedness and evacuation procedures.
• Encouraging the development of resilient and sustainable construction practices to minimize the impact of storm surges on buildings and critical infrastructure.

In conclusion, storm surges are a significant threat to Belize, and the country has experienced several major storms that have resulted in devastating consequences. By understanding the risks and implementing effective preparedness and mitigation measures, Belize can enhance its resilience and minimize the impact of future storm surges on communities, infrastructure, and the economy.

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