Strengthening Disaster Resilience and Response in Belize in 2024

As we wrap up 2024, News 5 is excited to bring you our digital Year in Review! This year, we're diving into the highlights and challenges of the past twelve months, all organized by themes. Join us as we look back at the stories that shaped our year…

The year 2024 presented unprecedented challenges for Belize in disaster response and preparedness. From devastating wildfires to severe flooding, Tropical Storms Sara and Nadine, and Hurricane Beryl, the nation’s resilience was tested.

Wildfires and Environmental Impact

Belize experienced one of its most severe wildfire seasons, with widespread fires causing extensive damage to the environment, agriculture, and communities. The wildfires were exacerbated by an uncharacteristically long dry season and record high temperatures, leading to significant challenges in managing and containing the fires. The wildfires devastated large tracts of land, including protected areas and farmlands. In the Toledo District, fires destroyed over 600 acres of farmland, affecting around 250 families and causing an estimated $8 million in damages. The fires also impacted the Maya Golden Landscape, managed by the Ya’axche Conservation Trust, where over 2,000 acres of forest were lost. The fires not only destroyed crops such as cacao, corn, and beans but also displaced wildlife, including tapirs, ocelots, and gibnuts.

The response to the wildfires involved a collaborative effort between government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and private sector companies. The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) played a central role in coordinating relief efforts, conducting damage assessments, and providing support to affected communities. The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH) and the Belize Defence Force (BDF) also contributed resources and manpower to fight the fires. In San Pedro Columbia, community members and organisations like the Maya Leaders Alliance (MLA) and Ya’axche Conservation Trust worked together to control the fires and protect their livelihoods. The government, recognising the severity of the situation, declared a national disaster to access international resources and allocated $1 million from the contingency fund for immediate relief efforts.

The wildfires highlighted the need for updated disaster risk management plans and better preparedness for such events. The government acknowledged that traditional farming practices, such as slash and burn, contributed to the fires and emphasised the need for safer agricultural practices. The fires also underscored the importance of environmental management, including controlled burns and reforestation efforts, to prevent future disasters. International support played a crucial role in the recovery efforts. The European Union provided $170,000 in humanitarian assistance through the Belize Red Cross to support affected families with health, water, sanitation services, and cash assistance. The government also worked with international organisations like NASA to assess the damage and plan for long-term recovery.

As the fires continued to burn in some areas, the government and its partners remained vigilant, monitoring the situation and providing ongoing support to affected communities. The Ministry of Sustainable Development and Climate Change emphasised the need for continuous education and awareness about fire prevention and management. The experiences of 2024 underscored the importance of community cooperation, timely response, and proactive measures in managing natural disasters. The lessons learnt from this wildfire season will inform future efforts to build a more resilient and sustainable Belize, better prepared to handle the challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events.

Tropical Storms Sara and Nadine

In 2024, Belize faced significant challenges from tropical storms Sara and Nadine, both of which brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and widespread flooding. Tropical Storm Sara formed off the coast of Honduras and Nicaragua, initially projected to head towards the Gulf of Mexico. However, its path shifted, bringing it closer to Belize. By the time it made landfall, Sara had strengthened, with maximum sustained winds of around 50 miles per hour. The storm’s slow movement resulted in heavy rainfall, particularly affecting Middle Caye, which recorded a staggering seventeen inches of rain. Sara’s impact was felt across Belize, with significant flooding reported in various areas. NEMO activated emergency operation centres and coordinated relief efforts, ensuring shelters were ready and advising the public to prepare for potential flooding and strong winds.

Tropical Storm Nadine followed closely on the heels of Sara, forming rapidly and making landfall just south of Belize City with winds of 50 miles per hour. Nadine brought heavy rains and strong winds, particularly affecting Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and the Corozal District. Despite the storm, many street vendors in Belize City continued their operations, highlighting the resilience and determination of the local community. Nadine’s heavy rainfall led to significant rises in river levels, particularly the Macal and Mopan Rivers, causing widespread flooding in the western regions. The three hydroelectric dams managed by Fortis Belize Limited, particularly the Mollejon and Vaca Dams, experienced spillovers due to the excessive rainfall.

Both storms tested Belize’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities. NEMO and other government agencies worked tirelessly to coordinate relief efforts, provide timely updates, and ensure the safety of residents. The Prime Minister and other officials conducted aerial assessments to understand the extent of the damage and plan recovery efforts. In Belize City, Mayor Bernard Wagner praised the community’s swift response and resilience in the face of Tropical Storm Nadine. The city’s drainage systems, improved through recent projects, helped mitigate some of the flooding, although certain flood-prone areas still experienced significant water accumulation.

The experiences with tropical storms Sara and Nadine underscored the importance of continuous monitoring, timely communication, and community cooperation in disaster preparedness and response. The government acknowledged the need for better environmental management practices, including reforestation and improved drainage systems, to prevent future flooding. Overall, 2024 highlighted the resilience and adaptability of Belizeans in the face of natural disasters. The lessons learnt from these storms will inform future efforts to build a more resilient and sustainable Belize, better prepared to handle the challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events.

Hurricane Beryl: A Historic Threat

Hurricane Beryl, a historic event in 2024, marked the first time a category four hurricane developed in the Atlantic basin in June, a period typically not associated with such intense storms, which are usually more common between August and October. Beryl rapidly intensified over the weekend before making landfall in the eastern Caribbean. Initially, there was uncertainty about whether Belize would experience a direct hit, but the hurricane’s path included both Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula within its projected cone of impact.

In response, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) in Belize activated early, holding daily press conferences to keep the public informed. Residents, particularly those in low-lying and flood-prone areas, were advised to prepare for strong winds and heavy rainfall. The Belize Sugar Industries Limited halted cane processing as a precaution, resulting in significant losses for cane farmers, while recent flooding in the sugar belt raised concerns about further inundation from the storm. Many residents, especially from San Pedro and Caye Caulker, evacuated to the mainland, and local airlines and water taxis suspended services until it was safe to resume.

In preparation for the storm, shelters were set up across the country, especially in the Corozal District, which was expected to be the most impacted. Local authorities and residents worked together to clear drainage systems and secure properties. However, despite these extensive preparations, Beryl did not make a direct hit on Belize. The northernmost parts of the country experienced some rain and wind, but the impact was far less severe than initially anticipated.

Flooding: A National Challenge

Belize experienced significant and widespread flooding, impacting various regions and communities across the country. The year was marked by a series of heavy rains, tropical storms, and hurricanes that exacerbated the flooding situation, leading to substantial damage and disruption. The flooding had a severe impact on Belize’s agricultural sector, particularly affecting cane farmers in the northern districts. Villages like Libertad and Caledonia saw extensive damage to cane fields, with many farmers losing their crops due to inundation. The access roads to these fields were also heavily damaged, complicating efforts to salvage any remaining crops. The Coastal Plain Highway, a critical infrastructure project, suffered significant damage due to flooding. Portions of the road crumbled under the weight of floodwaters, highlighting issues related to deforestation and inadequate drainage systems. The Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing (MIDH) worked on repairs, including the installation of concrete reinforcements to prevent future damage.

Several communities faced unprecedented flooding, with areas like August Pine Ridge and San Roman Village experiencing severe inundation. In San Roman, the flooding was so extensive that the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) had to ferry villagers in and out using boats. The Mopan River also overflowed, causing significant disruption in San Jose Succotz and Benque Viejo Town. In urban areas like Belize City, the City Emergency Management Organization (CEMO) issued warnings and took preventive measures to manage the flooding. Mayor Bernard Wagner emphasised the importance of community involvement in maintaining drainage systems to mitigate the impact of heavy rains.

The government and various organisations played a crucial role in responding to the flooding. NEMO was actively involved in coordinating relief efforts, providing transportation, and setting up shelters for displaced residents. The Prime Minister conducted aerial assessments of the affected areas to understand the extent of the damage and plan recovery efforts. The Ministry of Agriculture worked closely with farmers to assess the damage and provide support. Efforts were made to improve the resilience of agricultural practices, including the introduction of new cane varieties that are more resistant to flooding.

The flooding highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and deforestation. The government acknowledged the need for better environmental management practices to prevent such disasters in the future. Initiatives to reforest areas and improve drainage systems were discussed as part of long-term solutions. Despite the challenges, communities across Belize demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Residents in flood-prone areas took proactive measures to protect their homes and livelihoods. In places like Rancho Dolores and Lemonal, villagers used boats to navigate flooded roads and continued their daily activities despite the disruptions. The year 2024 underscored the importance of preparedness and community cooperation in facing natural disasters. The experiences and lessons learnt from the flooding will inform future efforts to build a more resilient and sustainable Belize.

Policy and Community Resilience

Belize’s disaster response in 2024 highlighted several areas requiring improvement, with a strong focus on building resilience through policy and community initiatives. Damage to critical infrastructure, such as the Coastal Plains Highway, emphasised the urgent need for resilient infrastructure projects. Minister Julius Espat stressed the importance of this investment, stating, “Our roads must be designed to withstand these recurring floods. It’s no longer an option but a necessity.”

Community education also played a pivotal role in mitigating disaster impacts. Public awareness campaigns on fire prevention and flood preparedness were credited with saving lives, a point underscored by NEMO’s National Coordinator Daniel Mendez, who remarked, “Education saved lives this year.”

International collaboration proved invaluable, with partnerships involving organisations like the European Union and the U.S. Embassy providing critical resources. These included funding for hurricane shelters and technical support for disaster management efforts. Additionally, environmental management initiatives focused on sustainable land-use practices and reforestation emerged as key strategies for addressing the root causes of wildfires and flooding. “We’re looking at long-term solutions to protect our people and our ecosystems,” noted Minister Habet, highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing these challenges comprehensively.