As mentioned before, Belize’s
biggest hazard are from storms which result from flooding. Belize itself flatter
than its neighboring countries in terms of geography. Tropical storms can be
the biggest threat, since they cause flooding. Most houses in the country are at
a law elevation as is most of the country. Since homes are at a low elevation,
this is the sole reason why so many homes are damaged due to the floods.
It is recommended that during floods or
hurricanes, that the individual is safest at a high elevation. Homes in the
valley and along the coast tend to be the most at risk. For those in Belize who
find themselves caught in a flood or hurricane, the safest thing to do is to
get to high point and avoid debris. For people, who happen to live in Belize,
the best way to lower the impact of flood damaged is to build structures from
sturdier materials rather than broadleaf wood. This means any kind of steel, or
possibly aluminum. For people who are caught in the middle of the flood Debris
presents another risk since may be deeper than it appears, and it can carry
toxic waste or other sharp pieces of debris.
Belize does issue its storm warnings and meteorologists.
What lacks are proper building codes as do most countries in central and south America.
For those who want to stay up to date on weather. Now, like the Monterey bay,
Belize is suffering something of a heat with temperatures hitting the late 80s.
June 1st through November is right around the time storm season
hits. During this time, the country can be hit by some hurricanes, as well as several
small storms and a large storm likely, at the end of the season.
If I were in charge, I would specially address
areas in the lower elevated area, which happens to be most of the country. Areas
along the coast would be a top priority as well, since these areas are situated
near the ocean and would be the first to hit during a hurricane. Areas along
the valleys would be hit second. If I were president, I would try to build
storm drains and manmade lakes to try to negate the effects and damage caused
by storms. It is clear that flood damage cannot be permanently stopped but the
risk can be lowered.
More affordable housing would be a larger priority
for communities hit during the storm. I would build the homes with much studier
materials than what is available with most homes now. Of course, importing
building materials can clearly be expensive and since Belize relies primarily
on tourism, that money would be used for imported steel and other materials. As for me, if I lived in Belize, I would try
to move away from the valley and the coastline, and most to the mountains. I
would try to build a sturdier house. People in these areas build there homes on
stilts because of flooding. I would do it like this this myself, but I would
use far more durable stilts than the board leaf wood would that people
typically build with. Belize is a country that is mostly forested with broadleaf
as well as a very small percentage of pine tree.
As for the country Belize does have its own
system to warn people about floods. The internet is great for most people
since, It give crucial information. Like, other Belize does issue its own warning
and evacuations. Building project tend to take a long which means usually up to
a few years. When it comes to natural disaster, Belize has it much better than
some of its other neighbors, but since its in a proximity to few countries, it can
end being hit.
The picture shown above is Hurricane Earl which happened around 2016. Several countries were hit.
