Orange Walk District (Damage)	Corozal District (NEMO)

HURRICANE DEAN NOTE

Belize City, August 27 2007 - The impact of Hurricane Dean to the country of Belize was not as anticipated due its rapid forward speed of about 20 mph over the NW Caribbean.  Also although Dean was a monster CAT 5 hurricane just before its first landfall, most of the torrential rainfall and intense winds were concentrated in its northern semicircle. Therefore, when the hurricane crossed over the southern coast of the Quintana Roo,  the torrential rains were short-lived and the period of extreme weather over northern and central Belize lasted from around mid-night through mid-morning during the night of August 21, 2007.  Hurricane force winds were confined mostly to the Corozal and northern Orange Walk districts, and northern coastal water and Cayes including San Pedro, Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.  Tropical storm force winds extended farther south into the Belize and northern Cayo districts.  The southern districts were the least affected.

The disruption of water and electricity supply is of major concern, especially if these services are not restored promptly. The localized flooding in Corozal and San Pedro is also of concern as it has the potential for causing food-, water-, and vector-borne disease outbreaks.

There has been no fatalities directly associated with Hurricane Dean reported. However, reports indicate an increase of persons with gastroenteritis, conjunctivitis, and upper respiratory symptoms, primarily in rural communities in Corozal. To date, no cases of dengue have been reported.

The LSS/SUMA was installed at the Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize , for the purpose of registering all international aid associated with Hurricane Dean.  Operations are being coordinated by the National SUMA Team and the PAHO Country Office.

The MOH has stated that everything seems to be under control up to date. Emergency assessment and response teams (EARTs) remain active in the affected communities in Corozal and Orange Walk Districts. A Cuban vector control team of 10 men (plus equipment) that arrived on Friday 24 August (for which PAHO/WHO provided local transportation assistance) has started spraying in the communities, accompanied by a Belize vector control official. Provision of water and food distribution continues in the affected area by the private sector and other Government ministries. There have been cases of adults and children with diarrhea reported in the village of Chunox but they were treated appropriately by the EART.

The Rapid Health Assessment Report prepared in close collaboration with the MOH, has been completed and is currently being distributed to key parties.

PAHO/WHO is prepared to aid the MOH to procure the supplies and equipment needed immediately, and to continue working closely with the MOH in its health sector response and to monitor the health situation.

The Pan American Health Organization was established in 1902, and is the world's oldest public health organization. It serves as the regional office of the World Health Organization and works with all the countries of the Americas to improve the health and the quality of life of their peoples.