Belize's Hurricane Irma Impact

Belize, a country in Central America, is vulnerable to hurricanes, storms, and the associated flooding, wind damage, and storm surges. On average, hurricanes occur about seven times a year in Belize, but they often do not make landfall, instead turning northward beforehand. Belize has been hit by two Category 5 hurricanes since records began in 1851: Hurricane Janet in 1955 and Hurricane Dean in 2007. Hurricane Irma, the most powerful Atlantic hurricane in recorded history, did not hit Belize. Instead, it smashed into the Caribbean on September 6, 2017, devastating islands such as Barbuda, Saint Martin, and Anguilla.

Belize's vulnerability to hurricanes

Belize, a Caribbean country located on the northeastern coast of Central America, is vulnerable to hurricanes, storms, and the subsequent flooding, wind damage, and storm surges that accompany them. Since 1930, sixteen hurricanes have made landfall in Belize, eight of which were major hurricanes. The country's low-lying terrain exacerbates the effects of flooding and sea level rise, and Belize City is particularly vulnerable.

Belize's position on the eastern Yucatán peninsula means it is susceptible to hurricanes forming in the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The country is bordered by Mexico to the northwest, Guatemala to the south and west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east, leaving it exposed to storms forming in any of these regions.

Belize has experienced two Category 5 hurricanes since records began in 1851: Hurricane Janet in 1955 and Hurricane Dean in 2007. In addition, three Category 4 hurricanes have impacted Belize: the 1931 British Honduras hurricane, Hurricane Keith in 2000, and Hurricane Iris in 2001. Hurricane Keith, for example, caused $280 million in damage and resulted in 19 fatalities.

On average, a major hurricane strikes Belize about once a decade. The country's vulnerability to hurricanes is further compounded by its low-lying terrain, which makes it susceptible to flooding and sea level rise. According to the World Bank's Natural Disaster Hotspot study, Belize ranks 61st in the world for relative mortality risk from multiple hazards and 8th out of 167 countries for climate risk.

Hurricane Irma's path of destruction

Hurricane Irma, the most powerful Atlantic hurricane ever recorded, wreaked havoc on the Caribbean, leaving vacation hotspots in ruins. Irma first hit Barbuda, destroying 95% of buildings and rendering half of the population homeless. A two-year-old child lost their life in the storm, and it is estimated that it will cost $100 million to rebuild the island.

The hurricane then crashed into Saint Martin, wrecking homes, flinging cars, and uprooting trees. The island is split between the French and Dutch governments, and both sides suffered immense damage. The French president, Emmanuel Macron, described the situation as "an enormous catastrophe", with 95% of the island destroyed.

The British overseas territory of Anguilla also sustained severe damage, with police stations, hospitals, schools, emergency shelters, and numerous homes destroyed or damaged.

The hurricane continued its path of destruction to the dual-island nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, causing significant damage to properties. The British and U.S. Virgin Islands were also badly affected, with four confirmed deaths in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Hurricane Irma then passed just north of Puerto Rico, causing power outages and leaving more than a million people without electricity. The storm also grazed the Dominican Republic and Haiti, causing power outages and evacuations along Haiti's northern coastline.

Belize, a Caribbean country located on the northeastern coast of Central America, was not in the direct path of Hurricane Irma. However, the country is vulnerable to hurricanes and has experienced several major hurricanes and tropical storms in its history. Belize is particularly susceptible to flooding due to its low-lying terrain, and hurricanes often affect the country without making a direct landfall.

Belize's hurricane history

Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, has a long history of hurricanes. Since records began in 1851, the country has been hit by several major hurricanes, causing significant damage and loss of life. Here is a brief overview of Belize's hurricane history:

Hurricane History of Belize:

• Since 1930, 16 hurricanes have made landfall or passed close enough to Belize to cause damage, with eight of them being classified as major hurricanes. Additionally, 17 tropical storms have made landfall in the country.
• On September 10, 1931, a Category 4 hurricane struck Belize City, killing approximately 2,500 people. It remains the deadliest hurricane and natural disaster in Belize's history.
• On October 31, 1961, Hurricane Hattie made landfall in Belize, causing extensive damage to Belize City. The capital city was later relocated to the safer location of Belmopan.
• Hurricane Fifi in 1974 and Hurricane Mitch in 1998 were two of the deadliest hurricanes in the Atlantic, causing thousands of deaths in Central America, including Belize.
• In 2000, Hurricane Keith stalled off the shore of Belize, killing 19 people and causing $280 million in damage.
• Hurricane Iris in 2001 was a small but powerful Category 4 hurricane that caused major damage to southern Belize, with winds of up to 145 mph. It destroyed nearly 95% of buildings in some areas and left thousands homeless.
• Hurricane Dean in 2007 made landfall just north of Belize, bringing strong winds, rain, and storm surges. It heavily impacted the crop industry, with significant losses of papaya and sugar.
• In recent years, Belize has been affected by several tropical storms and hurricanes, including Hurricane Earl in 2016, Hurricane Nana in 2020, and Hurricane Lisa in 2022.

Belize's location on the northeastern coast of Central America makes it vulnerable to hurricanes during the Atlantic hurricane season, which typically lasts from June to November. The country's low population density and proximity to the Caribbean Sea can also contribute to the impact of these storms.

Hurricane Irma's strength

Hurricane Irma was an extremely powerful Cape Verde hurricane that caused widespread destruction across its path in early September 2017. It was the first Category 5 hurricane to strike the Leeward Islands on record and was considered the most powerful hurricane on record in the open Atlantic region, outside of the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico, until it was surpassed by Hurricane Dorian two years later.

Irma developed from a tropical wave near the Cape Verde Islands on 30 August 2017. By the following day, it had intensified into a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson wind scale. Its intensity fluctuated between Categories 2 and 3 for several days, before becoming a Category 5 hurricane on 5 September. At this point, Irma was one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes ever observed, with maximum sustained winds of 185 mph.

Irma's intensity remained fairly steady as it moved towards the Leeward Islands, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. It then weakened slightly to a Category 4 hurricane, before re-intensifying to Category 5 status as it approached Cuba. Irma made landfall in Cuba on 9 September, with winds of 165 mph, making it only the second Category 5 hurricane to strike Cuba in recorded history.

After crossing Cuba, Irma weakened to Category 3 status, before making landfall in Florida on 10 September, with sustained winds of 115 mph. Irma caused widespread and catastrophic damage throughout its long lifetime, particularly in the northeastern Caribbean and the Florida Keys. It was the most intense hurricane to strike the continental US since Katrina in 2005.

Belize's hurricane season

Belize is a Caribbean country located on the northeastern coast of Central America. The country's hurricane season runs from July to October, with the most active months being August, September, and October. The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30 each year, and tropical storms and hurricanes often threaten Belize. The country's low-lying areas, such as the cayes and coastal areas, are the most vulnerable to hurricane damage. Popular tourist destinations such as San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Placencia on the mainland are particularly sensitive to storms.

Belize has a history of hurricanes and tropical storms causing extensive damage, serious injuries, and deaths. Since records began in 1851, only two hurricanes have been of Category 5 strength and have hit or come close to Belize: Hurricane Janet in 1955 and Hurricane Dean in 2007. In addition, only three Category 4 hurricanes have impacted Belize: the 1931 British Honduras hurricane, Hurricane Keith in 2000, and Hurricane Iris in 2001. On average, a major hurricane strikes Belize about once a decade.

Hurricane Irma, one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes in recorded history, did not make landfall in Belize. However, it caused widespread devastation in several Caribbean islands, leaving them in a state of disaster.

To prepare for hurricane season, residents and visitors in vulnerable areas are advised to evacuate at the hurricane alert stage, before transportation services are significantly affected. The U.S. Embassy in Belize recommends that U.S. citizens monitor weather updates during the hurricane season and be aware of the three hurricane phases: alert, watch, and warning. It is also suggested that travellers obtain travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation and medical expenses.

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