Message: Hurricane Earl impacts Belize as a Category 1 Hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph. Earl moved westward at a speed near 14 mph and produced rainfall of 8-12 inches over Belize.

Event
The following provides a summary on Hurricane Earl as presented in the latest Weather Briefing provided by the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH):

• Hurricane Earl made landfall in the early hours of the morning on Thursday August 4, 2016.
• Hurricane force conditions were experienced primarily over northern Belize.
• Inland and coastal flooding occurred in the central and northern cities in Belize in addition to the Cayes. Inland flooding may persist as the system moves over the central and northern watersheds.
• Earl is weakening as it moves over the mountains of Mexico. Risk of inland flooding increases.
• All interest should monitor the developments over the next 24 hours.

Belize:
Impact
The country experienced Hurricane force winds and rainfall of up to 12 inches. Preliminary reports indicate the following:

• Structural damage reported to houses, businesses, government and private buildings
• Many roads and streets are blocked in San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Belize City, and Ladyville, Belize River Valley, Orange Walk, Belmopan and other affected areas
• Roofing and broken lumber, down trees, electrical wires, splinters and nails are strewn all over the San Pedro, Caye Caulker Cayes, Belize City, Ladyville, Lords Bank and River Valley where there is extensive damage
• The City Emergency Management Organization (CEMO), the Police and eventually the Belize Defence Force (BDF), responded to over 100 search and rescue requests under extremely dangerous conditions in the middle of the Hurricane
• The Ministry of Works is clearing the main highways. The Western highway from Benque Veijo del Carmen to Belize City is open and all bus lines will resume normal schedule tomorrow
• The Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) will resume operations today
• Neighbour to neighbour assistance and care giving, highlighted the Belizean spirit in the face of danger

National Actions
The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) has declared the ALL CLEAR phase for the entire country as at 9:00 a.m. (11:00 a.m. EST).

NEMO has undertaken priority work in search and rescue, medical care, sheltering and looking after people affected, clearing of debris along the highways, restoration of utilities, inspection of airports and seaports.

The National Executive Committee met today to decide on the plan of action.

The Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (DANA) process started today immediately after the all clear with the Initial Situation Overview by NEMO.

Regional Response
The Regional Response Mechanism (RRM) remains on alert.

Contact Details: The CDEMA CU 24hr contact number is 1 246 434-4880