Belize: Assessment of the damage caused by Hurricane Keith, 2000 - implications for economic, social and environmental development

Following the significant physical damage and economic losses that this country sustained as a result of Hurricane Keith, a request for this social, environmental and economic impact assessment was submitted to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) by the Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. Said Musa, on 12 October 2000. This appraisal considers the consequences of the Hurricane’s passing over the northern half of this country and the outlying keys (“cayes”) from 30 September to 1 October 2000.

The study undertakes a sector by sector analysis leading to an overall assessment of the damage; it appraises the macroeconomic and environmental effects and proposes some guidelines for rehabilitation and reconstruction programmes. To carry out this task full co-operation was received from national authorities, the Inter American Development Bank (IDB), the Inter American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other United Nations agencies. Official and consultants of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) and of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) joined the mission. This assessment complements the Compilation of Damage and Needs Assessments, Response and Rehabilitation Plans in connection with Hurricane Keith prepared for the United Nations Disaster Assistance Coordinator (UNDAC) by UNDP, UNICEF and PATHO. The direct and indirect damage has been assessed in accordance with the methodology developed by ECLAC. The results are based on the mission’s estimates; the study incorporates the information available and evidence collected in interviews and visits to affected locations.