Accidents & Disasters
Local authorities and island residents provide assistance to fire victims
A family suffered a devastating loss on November 19th when their property was deliberately set on fire in an act of arson. The blaze destroyed three houses, leaving the property owner, 47-year-old Sandra Isela Catzim, with an estimated loss of $200,000. In response, local leaders, residents, and organizations have united to offer support through fundraisers and direct assistance to Catzim.
Accidents & Disasters
Tropical Storm Sara causes massive flooding in Belize
Tropical Storm Sara made landfall in southern Belize on Sunday, November 17th, bringing heavy rainfall to the region. A tropical storm warning was issued for the entire Belizean coast and the Cayes. As the storm dissipated, residents in flood-prone communities were relieved to find that waters began to recede. Some of the affected areas included communities in the western Cayo District, where on Monday, November 18th, Prime Minister John Briceño conducted a flyover and visited several impacted communities.
Accidents & Disasters
Fire in the DFC Area confirmed arson
A large fire broke out on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 19th, in the DFC neighborhood of San Pedro, destroying three houses. The affected properties included a two-story home, a four-bedroom house, and a small shop with a bedroom, estimated at $200,000. The affected property owner, 47-year-old Sandra Isela Catzim, and the community are seriously concerned, as fire officials have confirmed that the fire was caused by arson.
Accidents & Disasters
Traffic accident claims life of island resident
A motorcycle accident in the early hours of Sunday, November 10th, resulted in the death of 30-year-old Eric Williams. The tragic incident occurred on Crocodile Street in the San Pedrito area, where Williams crashed into a lamppost, sustaining severe head injuries. According to an official report, the accident happened just past midnight. It stated that Williams, a carpenter from the DFC area, was riding a black and blue AKT motorcycle when he collided with the lamppost.
Accidents & Disasters
The critical role of NEMO during national emergencies
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) was established in February 1999 and is the sole government department and authority responsible for keeping the country in a state of preparedness for an emergency, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, among other hazards. With its main headquarters in the Capital City of Belmopan, it operates across the country via local branches and coordinators.
Accidents & Disasters
Safety measures at worksites questioned after fatal construction accident
On Thursday, September 19th, the San Pedro Police Formation received a report of an adult male falling from the fourth floor of a building located north of San Pedro Town. Upon arrival, police officers discovered the lifeless body of a Hispanic male identified as 45-year-old Belizean construction worker Abisur Loza from Patachakan Village, Corozal District. Medical assistance was quickly called to the site, but unfortunately, nothing could be done for Loza as he had succumbed to his injuries following the fatal fall.
Accidents & Disasters
Electrical pole falls in downtown San Pedro; Residents asked to report issues to BEL
An electrical pole collapsed in downtown San Pedro on Sunday, September 22nd. Nearby motorists shared images of the fallen pole next to a popular supermarket. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident, although it reportedly narrowly missed pedestrians and some vehicles. However, the incident caused power outages in some regions of the island. Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) personnel quickly responded to the incident, and residents said power was restored to some affected areas shortly after.
Accidents & Disasters
Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis Training held in the Cayes
Two training sessions were recently held in the Cayes to provide comprehensive training in disaster management, focusing on preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation for natural disasters impacting the islands. The first session was held at the Caye Caulker Village Council Meeting Hall on Thursday, August 29th, from 6PM to 9PM, and the second session took place on August 30th at the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) San Pedro Command Centre, from 9AM to 2 M. The main goal of these sessions was to equip participants with skills to assess properties after natural disasters, determine damage levels, and promote disaster preparedness.