Home > Destinations > Central
America > Belize > Regional
News >
Hurricane Iris Update
Thursday, November 01, 2001
Hurricane Iris Update
By Todd Smith, Belize Program Director
On Monday October 8th, 2001 Hurricane Iris brought winds of up to 145 mph across southern Belize. The storm was highly concentrated and moved very quickly so the effects were confined to a relatively small area of the south coast. The rest of the country was unaffected. Our guides, lodges and their staff, and all our friends are safe. Our thoughts go out to all Belizeans affected by this storm.
Reports from the government of Belize indicate that Hurricane Iris has cost over $150 million USD in damage to the agriculture and tourism industries, housing and infrastructure. As many as 30 schools and 3,178 homes were destroyed, mostly simple, tin-roofed wooden structures primarily in the village of Monkey River and other settlements in the districts of Stann Creek and Toledo, including the Placencia Peninsula.
Our principle guide in Belize, Mr. Sam Tillett, recently visited the Placencia Peninsula to inspect the scene first hand. In addition, we have been in contact with dive outfitters and beach resorts in southern Belize. The peninsula, its infrastructure and inhabitants have been impacted in varying degrees. The northern end of the peninsula, where most of the beach resorts we use are located, was less damaged. In the immediate aftermath docks were gone, roofs had been damaged, decks were askew and landscaping bedraggled. For the most part, beach hotel structures are solidly built and withstood the high winds. Crews have been hard at work cleaning up and making repairs. Some properties remain operable, while others have set re-opening dates for November and December in anticipation of the tourism season.
Further south along the peninsula in the villages of Seine Bight and Placencia, where architecture was older and primarily wooden, ramshackle structures, business as usual will take a little longer. Many homes were knocked off stilts and blown away. Trees and power lines were knocked down. Left standing are larger wooden and concrete buildings and coconut palms. Reports from our dive operators indicate that the reef, cayes and beaches were not damaged. Some longtime locals have noted that the beaches in Placencia look like they did fifteen years ago, undeveloped and beautiful.
When will Placencia be ready to receive visitors? The answer is right away! What can you expect when you visit? Outside of the Placencia Peninsula, you will notice no impacts from the hurricane. By December when our first groups arrive on the coast, clean up will be compete and water, power and access should be fully restored in Placencia. Although some tent structures will likely remain in the village during the months ahead, coastal settlements are not large and local-style thatch and tin-roofed structures are easily rebuilt. The people of Placencia are healthy and have acted quickly to restore tourism services in anticipation of resuming business as usual this season. Historically, Belizeans have lived with hurricanes over the centuries and are resilient to rebuild. The experience of our guests will not be adversely affected by the impacts of this storm. We have always sought to offer a natural and secluded Caribbean beach and marine experience away from crowded tourist sites. This is exactly what you can expect on your upcoming visit to Belize. For further information contact:
