Hurricane season started last Friday, and the emergency management organizations have been preparing countrywide for whatever may come.
In Belize City, the municipal government's City Emergency Management Organization (CEMO), has been diligently doing its work. They are well aware that the country's biggest population center has many low-lying and coastal areas that are always in danger of being hit hard by hurricanes and storm surge.
Today, Mayor Bernard Wagner and his fellow councillors hosted a press conference to tell the residents of the city that they are ready, or as ready they can be.
In today's press conference, the mayor and other CEMO described the state of their preparedness if any hurricanes should unfortunately hit Belize. Here's what they had to say this morning:
Mayor Bernard Wagner - Chairman, CEMO EOC
"As of October 2017, there were 6 major hurricanes, the highest number since 2005, with recorded fatalities of over 370 people. Last year was a very destructive season, and likely, it costs less on record. According to US Data, 186. 8 billion dollars in damages, all of which were due to the 3 of the major hurricanes, Harvey, Irma, and Maria."
"Historically, the season was one of only 6 to feature 5 category 5 hurricane. So, clearly, we could see an upswing the strength of these hurricanes that pass through the Caribbean, and head towards the US."
Jeromey Timrose Augustine-Cayetano - Coordinator, DEMO Belize City
"We have looked at all our plans. We have also looked at all our hotspots in Belize City. We know where all our hotspots are in Belize City, which are the most vulnerable areas, and those will be our focal priority when it comes to relocating these people, or evacuating these people from these hotspots. And In preparedness, I say yes, we are prepared, but we can never be too prepared. There is always room for improvement."
Mayor Bernard Wagner - Chairman, CEMO EOC
"We have revised, updated the hurricane plan, and to date, the plan stands at 90% completed."
"I am comforted, and I want the residents of the city to feel similar to me that I am comforted knowing that we have a group of people that are very experienced in this area, people who have weathered many storms, over the past 15-20. These are the same people who have been retooled, like I said in my presentation, refining their game plan, and these people are ready. The City Residents should feel comforted knowing that we have these people on the wall."
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