Iota's Impact: Will Belize Be Hit?

On November 16, 2020, Hurricane Iota made landfall in Nicaragua as a Category 4 storm, with sustained winds of 155 mph. The hurricane first impacted the Colombian islands of San Andres and Providencia before moving inland across Nicaragua and southern Honduras. While Iota did not directly hit Belize, the country still experienced heavy rainfall and flooding as an effect of the storm. The National Hurricane Center warned of potential life-threatening flash flooding and river flooding across Central America, including southern Belize.

The impact of Hurricane Iota on Belize

Hurricane Iota, a Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph, made landfall in Nicaragua on November 16, 2020. Although the hurricane did not directly hit Belize, the country still felt its effects.

Belize was on high alert in the days leading up to Hurricane Iota's arrival. The National Meteorological Service of Belize issued a Flood Watch, warning of the possibility of flooding in central and southern Belize. The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) advised the public to remain alert, continue monitoring the storm, and take any necessary precautions to protect lives and property.

The hurricane brought heavy rainfall to Belize, with storm totals of 10 to 20 inches, especially in the southern part of the country. This resulted in flooding and landslides, particularly in the mountainous regions. Gusty winds also created rough sea conditions, posing a threat to mariners.

The impact of Hurricane Iota in Belize was less severe compared to the devastation caused by Hurricane Eta just two weeks prior. On November 3, 2020, Eta made landfall as a Category 4 storm, causing landslides, massive flooding, and leaving thousands displaced. The combined effects of Hurricanes Iota and Eta had a significant impact on Central America, affecting more than 3.6 million people across the region.

Hurricane Iota's path of destruction once again highlighted the vulnerability of the region to the increasing frequency and intensity of hurricanes fuelled by climate change. The life-threatening storm formed over hotter oceans, drawing its energy from the water, and causing widespread devastation in its wake.

The National Meteorological Service of Belize's response

On Monday, November 16, 2020, The National Meteorological Service of Belize posted that a Flood Watch was in effect, with the possibility of flooding in central and southern Belize that week. The service also stated that Hurricane Iota was being closely monitored and that a small craft warning would likely be issued later that day. In addition, the service advised operators of small crafts to start preparing to safeguard their vessels.

The National Meteorological Service of Belize also provided information on the hurricane's characteristics and its expected impacts on the country. At 9 am local time on November 16, Iota was centered near latitude 13.5N, longitude 82.0W, about 100 miles east-southeast of Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua. The hurricane was moving west at 9 mph with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph and a minimum central pressure of 917 mb.

The service forecasted that Iota would continue moving westward until it made landfall over the northeastern coast of Nicaragua that night, followed by a west to west-southwestward track. While it was expected to weaken rapidly after landfall and dissipate over the mountainous terrain of Central America by Wednesday, the system was still predicted to produce heavy rainfall in Belize, with rainfall activity peaking on Wednesday and Thursday. Storm total rainfall amounts of 10 to 20 inches were possible, especially in southern Belize, which could result in flooding and landslides, especially in mountainous areas. Additionally, gusty winds would produce rough sea conditions, posing a threat to mariners.

The National Meteorological Service of Belize emphasized that it would continue to monitor Iota closely and provide updates as necessary. The service's timely and detailed response played a crucial role in helping Belizeans prepare for the potential impacts of Hurricane Iota.

The National Emergency Management Organization's warnings

The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) Warnings

The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) issued several warnings and advisories to the public in Belize ahead of Hurricane Iota's impact in November 2020. Here are the key warnings and instructions from NEMO:

• Flood Watch: NEMO advised that a Flood Watch was in effect due to the possibility of flooding in central and southern Belize.
• Small Craft Warning: Operators of small crafts were advised to make preparations to safeguard their vessels.
• Public Alertness: While the hurricane was not expected to directly hit Belize, the public was advised to remain alert and continue monitoring the storm's progress.
• Necessary Actions: Belizeans were instructed to take any necessary actions to protect lives and properties. This included preparing for potential evacuation to higher ground or safe shelters and storing essential supplies like water, food, charged cell phones, first aid kits, and emergency lighting.
• Rainfall and Flooding: NEMO warned that Hurricane Iota was likely to produce heavy rainfall across Belize, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday. This could result in flooding and landslides, especially in mountainous areas.
• Wind and Marine Hazards: NEMO also cautioned that winds would become gusty, creating rough sea conditions that posed a threat to mariners.

NEMO's warnings and advisories aimed to prepare the Belizean public for the potential impacts of Hurricane Iota, emphasizing the importance of staying informed, taking proactive measures, and being ready for possible flooding and other weather-related hazards.

The trajectory of Hurricane Iota

Hurricane Iota was the first Category 5 storm of the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season. It intensified into a Category 5 hurricane on November 16, 2020, and was forecast to continue moving westward until it made landfall over the northeastern coast of Nicaragua.

On November 15, 2020, Hurricane Iota was located north-northeast of Panama and was moving west-northwest at 6 miles per hour with sustained winds of 85 miles per hour. The United States National Hurricane Center (NHC) predicted that the storm would strengthen and make landfall in Nicaragua on Tuesday, November 17, 2020.

On November 16, 2020, Hurricane Iota made landfall in Nicaragua as a Category 4 major hurricane after pummeling the Colombian islands of San Andres and Providencia. The storm made landfall near the town of Haulover at 10:40 p.m. EST with sustained winds of 155 mph, approximately 15 miles south of where Hurricane Eta made landfall on November 3, 2020.

Hurricane Iota was expected to move inland across northern Nicaragua and southern Honduras on Tuesday, November 17, 2020. The storm was forecast to weaken rapidly after landfall and dissipate over Central America by Wednesday, November 18, 2020.

The effects of Hurricane Iota on Central America

Hurricane Iota was a devastating Category 4 Atlantic hurricane that wreaked havoc on Central America, causing severe damage to areas already ravaged by Hurricane Eta just two weeks prior. Here is an overview of the impacts of Hurricane Iota on Central America:

Nicaragua

Hurricane Iota made landfall in Nicaragua as a Category 4 hurricane, with sustained winds of up to 155 mph. The storm caused extensive damage to the country, particularly in the northeastern region near the town of Haulover, just south of Puerto Cabezas. The strong winds, storm surge, and torrential rainfall led to widespread flooding, mudslides, and infrastructure damage. The temporary hospital in Puerto Cabezas had to be evacuated as the building began to cave in due to the powerful winds. The storm left at least 28 people dead and 29 missing in Nicaragua, with a preliminary damage estimate of US$352.5 million.

Honduras

In Honduras, Hurricane Iota brought heavy rainfall, mudslides, and uprooted trees, causing significant impacts in the Sula Valley and departments such as Copán, Choluteca, and Comayagua. The storm exacerbated the damage inflicted by Hurricane Eta, with over 100 deaths reported between the two hurricanes. More than one million people were evacuated, and the Standing Committee on Contingencies (COPECO) reported that approximately 4.7 million people were affected by the emergency.

Guatemala

Guatemala was also impacted by Hurricane Iota, which affected communities in the departments of Alta Verapaz, Izabal, Petén, and Chiquimula. The National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) reported flooding, mudslides, and extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, buildings, schools, and health facilities. The CEPAL report estimated the total costs caused by Eta and Iota in Guatemala to be approximately 52,099 million HNL (over 2 billion CHF).

Belize

While Belize did not bear the brunt of Hurricane Iota directly, the country still experienced heavy rainfall and flooding, particularly in central and southern regions. The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) advised residents to remain alert and take necessary precautions, including preparing for potential evacuations to higher ground or safe shelters.

Colombia

Hurricane Iota caused extensive damage to Colombia, particularly in the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina. The storm passed close to these islands as a Category 4 hurricane, causing unprecedented damage, with an estimated 98-99% of structures damaged or destroyed. One person was killed, and six others were injured on Providencia. In Colombia itself, heavy rains and landslides caused by Iota resulted in deaths, injuries, and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure in various departments, including Chocó, Atlántico, and Bolívar.

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