While tropical depression 6 in the Eastern Caribbean bears close scrutiny, the government of Belize is still tallying the losses from Hurricane Dean. The initial estimate was US$53 million but at today's House sitting, the Prime Minister announced a drastically revised figure.
Rt. Hon. Said Musa, Prime Minister
"The present estimated cost of the damage and loss according to the revised damage assessment report is as followed. In the housing sector, US$10.18 million; in the agricultural sector $65.5 million; tourism sector $2.9 million; fisheries sector US$4.6 million; infrastructure US$8.5 million; utilities US$.5 million. In addition, a total of seventy one schools in the Corozal and Orange Walk districts sustained varying degrees of damage. Overall the damage assessment report reveals losses and damage resulting from Hurricane Dean amounting to some US$98.6 million or close to $200 million Belize dollars.
We are fortunate people, blessed that not a single life was lost. We know that the hurricane season still has three months to go. We are advised that this year will be a very active season so we must remain alert and united."
And in some good news for the north, NEMO reports that river levels on the Rio Hondo and new river peaked last night, and are expected to slowly recede. This is on expected to affect Caledonia Village in the Corozal District.
