The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has officially declared an All Clear following the earthquake felt earlier this evening
In NEMO’s advisory number 2, it said, “No tsunami wave has been observed, and the threat of a tsunami has passed.”
While the immediate threat has subsided, NEMO urges residents to “remain vigilant and to keep their emergency plans updated.”
Authorities advise the public to continue monitoring advisories issued by NEMO for any further updates.
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has issued an earthquake advisory following a seismic event on February 8, 2025. According to preliminary reports, the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.6 and occurred at 23:23 UTC north of Honduras, at coordinates 17.8°N and 82.5°W, with a depth of 33 kilometers (20 miles).
Although no tsunami waves have been observed at this time, the possibility remains within the next 30 minutes. As a precaution, residents along the Belizean coast are urged to prepare for potential evacuation. Those in low-lying areas should be ready to move to higher elevations or upper floors if instructed. NEMO advises residents to have an evacuation go-bag prepared and to closely monitor official updates for further instructions.
Update from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS): A magnitude 6.7 earthquake occurred 209 kilometers south-southwest of George Town, Cayman Islands, on February 8, 2025, at 23:23:14 UTC. The quake had a depth of 10.0 kilometers, with its epicenter located at 17.702°N latitude and 82.456°W longitude.
Many Belizeans report feeling tremors.
Seventeen years of service, and still no pension. That’s the reality dozens of Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) workers say have been owed to them. This morning, just before midday, dozens of workers staged a walk-out at the hospital. Many of these workers say they have been with the institution for years, some battling health issues, yet without any retirement benefits.
Lydia Blake, an employee and vocal member of the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital Authority Workers Union (KHMHAWU), told reporters, “We have served; we are serving. Find solutions, print it pan paper.” Blake added, “This is the time to show that you care for this. The blue plan stated that you will get better for KHMH. KHMH is us, the employees. KHMH is not the building. KHMH is the people. If you serve the people, the people will serve better.”
Despite commitments made by the Briceño Administration, the workers claim nothing has materialised. The protestors are determined, sending a clear message to the government: “We will have to take a stand to get what we deserve,” Blake added.
The president of the KHMHAWU, Andrew Baird, confirmed that the members of the union are prepared to escalate matters if the situation remains unresolved. He said, “The message to the Prime Minister and the government of Belize: Take the millions of election dollars that they’re going to pay for votes and give it to our pension.”
“Give us our pension. You don’t need to pay for votes. You will win,” Baird added.
In a heated exchange during the House of Representatives session on Friday, Corozal North Area Representative Hugo Patt criticised the government’s road construction efforts in northern Belize, particularly the deteriorating quality of the climate-resilient Remate Road. Patt questioned the effectiveness of current designs, arguing that roads meant to withstand adverse weather are still quickly falling apart.
Patt said, “We hear from some members on the government side that it is because we’re getting excessive rains, and last year we got a long drought, and that these are the kinds of weather conditions that are affecting the quality of the roads.” He added, “We’re getting additional funding precisely to build roads that are climate resilient but we are not seeing the results on the road.”
Patt’s criticism was met with strong rebuttals from Minister of Infrastructure Development, Julius Espat. Espat stated that consultations with both local engineers and foreign consultants, including Polytechnica, had found no significant defects on the Remate Road. “This gentleman comes to the House and makes accusations, and he is given the opportunity to see, to analyse, to discuss with the foreign consultants, to discuss with the local engineers, and he has refused to do so,” Espat said.
He added, “If you have a genuine concern based on facts, bring it to us, and we will address it,” Espat said.
On Friday, Corozal Community College (CCC) issued a statement defending “its zero-tolerance policy regarding bullying.” According to the school, “Where instances of bullying come to the attention of administrators, they are investigated, and interventions, as applicable, are implemented to assist the students involved, especially the victims.”
CCC added in its statement that it has held anti-bullying campaigns to raise awareness about its consequences. It also encouraged anyone aware of bullying incidents to contact administrators immediately, stating, “The reports ensure that immediate action can be taken to protect students and strengthen trust and confidence between the college and the community it serves.”
This statement comes after reports were made of a recent bullying incident involving a 13-year-old student. The student was reportedly threatened with a knife by peers in Corozal Town.The mother of the student reported the matter to the police after the school allegedly failed to address the bullying.
Workers from Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in Belize City staged a walkout earlier today, demanding the government address pension issues that have affected long-serving staff. According to KHMH Authority Workers Union President Andrew Baird, many workers have gone without retirement benefits, relying only on severance.
“We are saying, please, let us sit down; let us discuss and come up with something concrete so that people can retire and have a decent life after retirement. ,” Baird said.
Baird criticised government inaction, stating, “It’s a shame that there are three board members… and it’s a shame that they do not see it necessary to ensure that we have these meetings.”
The union has been pushing for solutions for over a year, according to Baird. He added that union members and staff believe that the only way to get the government’s attention is by taking a strong stand, stating, “This is just the beginning.”
The workers’ message is clear, and they are not backing down until the government addresses their pension rights. If the issue is not resolved soon, Baird said that the KHMHWU plans to escalate their actions.
