Belize Prime Minister Dean Borrow addressed the nation on Monday afternoon after he conducted a flyby over the affected areas by Hurricane Richard. He commenced his speech by being much grateful that there were no reported deaths throughout the country. He reported approximately 200 homes damaged by the hurricane and promised that the Government of Belize will help ever single person and business that was affected.
Government is now diligently working in the clean up after the storm. It was reported that about 4,600 residents around the country sought refuge in designated hurricane shelters and will provide sheets and bedding to people who have lost their homes and still in need of refuge.
The most hard-hit industry by Hurricane Richard has been the Citrus Industry with an estimated 30% loss amounting to $29.1Mil. A complete assessment of the country’s other industries is still in the process and GOB will soon be release final damage assessments to properly target each area affected.
BEL Working to Restore Power Following Passage of Hurricane Richard
Much of the country suffered power outages except for the Northern Zone, which included the Corozal and Orange Walk Districts and San Pedro Town that were not affected by power outages due to Hurricane Richard. On Monday, October 25, Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) conducted a damage assessment and quickly commenced restoration works to provide power supply to areas affected.
The hurricane caused downed power lines and damaged utility poles in several parts of the Belize and Cayo Districts. Employees are working diligently to restore power as soon as possible with top priority placed on restoration to critical services such as hospitals.
As part of the restoration works, BEL work crews are thoroughly inspecting distribution power lines as well as service connections to customers’ homes and businesses to ensure that it is safe to energize each community.
BEL expects to restore power to customers along the Western Highway from La Democracia to Blackman Eddy until today, Tuesday, due to extensively damaged transmission lines.
Power supply was restored to Independence Village, Punta Gorda Town and surrounding areas on Monday and also to about 50% of customers in Dangriga Town and surrounding areas, while repairs to damaged infrastructure continues.
In Belmopan, San Ignacio and surrounding areas, BEL had expected to restore power supply to at least 80% of customers by Monday night and in Belize City, power was likely restored to 60% of customers while 90% to customers in Ladyville and Hattieville,.
Pockets of customers in all affected areas will remain without power due to extensively damaged infrastructure and these areas need to remain disconnected in order to carry out repairs.
BEL thanks customers for their patience and will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available.
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