Just over a month into the hurricane season, heavy rains have already caused widespread flooding in parts of northern Belize, which has turned roads into rivers and raised more concerns about the country’s infrastructure readiness.
In Orange Walk, intense rainfall caused water to overtop key roadways, with erosion reported in the San Jose area. Though some communities were briefly cut off, emergency workers were swiftly mobilised.
Chief Engineer at the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Housing, Evondale Moody, says the ministry began preparations as early as January.
“We have been on top of things as best as we can as a ministry,” Moody told News Five. “We assessed our road infrastructure and mobilised materials and culverts early in the year.”
He confirmed that 70% of repair work in affected areas has already been completed, including new erosion control measures in San Jose.
With months of storm activity still ahead, the ministry says it remains on standby for future emergencies.