Accidents & Disasters
NEMO Strengthens Hurricane Preparedness for Persons with Disabilities in San Pedro
On August 12, 2025, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) held a key meeting in San Pedro to address disaster preparedness and shelter provisions for persons with disabilities. The session brought together key officials, including Marshall Nuñez, national chairperson of the Special Needs and Disability Committee, and Vanessa Parham, District Emergency Coordinator for Belize Rural South.
Accidents & Disasters
Fire in San Pablo Kills One, Investigation Ongoing
On the night of August 8, 2025, a fire broke out in San Pablo, destroying a small wooden and zinc shed in the yard of Mercy Trejo’s residence on Sunflower Street. Local firefighters, led by Fire Chief Kenneth Mortis, quickly contained and extinguished the blaze. Tragically, inside the structure, authorities discovered the charred remains of a 55-year-old man, later identified as Dary Denfield Blades, a maintenance worker from Ranchito Village and a family friend who often assisted with yard work.
Accidents & Disasters
Belize Bolsters Climate and Disaster Resilience with the World Bank’s Support
The World Bank Group’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a US$20 million Development Policy Credit with a Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option (Cat-DDO) for Belize. The operation provides emergency funding in the event of a natural disaster and supports a targeted reform agenda to strengthen the country’s climate and disaster resilience.
Accidents & Disasters
Golf Cart Collisions Spike in San Pedro; Officials Urge Responsible Driving
San Pedro is witnessing a troubling increase in golf cart-related accidents, prompting renewed calls from authorities and local businesses for greater public awareness and responsible use of these widely used vehicles. While often perceived as leisurely or recreational, golf carts are the island’s primary mode of transportation for both residents and visitors. With narrow roads and limited parking spaces, these vehicles are essential to island life, but their misuse has led to growing safety concerns.
Accidents & Disasters
Fisherman Rescued After Missing at Sea
A San Pedro fisherman, Elbin Sanchez, was rescued on Monday, July 21st, after he went missing off the island's coast. His colleague, Abner Vargas, reported that they had gone fishing in a kayak when Sanchez was nowhere to be found.
Accidents & Disasters
San Pedro Boatman Recovering from Injuries Following Boat Explosion
A 22-year-old man is recovering after sustaining first-degree burns in a boat explosion on Wednesday, July 16th. Jose Duran had just refueled his vessel and was heading south of San Pedro Town when the explosion occurred onboard. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, and Duran was taken to a medical facility for treatment.
Accidents & Disasters
Jet Ski Explosion in San Pedro Leaves One Injured
A jet ski operator, Jeffrey Molina, suffered minor injuries after the watercraft he was using exploded on Saturday, June 14th, shortly after refueling. The incident happened around 10:30AM at the Gas and Go station near the entrance of the San Mateo area.
Accidents & Disasters
NEMO Prepares for the 2025 Hurricane Season
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30. In anticipation of what is predicted to be an above-average season, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) personnel in Belize Rural South have been actively participating in preparedness workshops.