Belize Red Cross Provides Relief to Hurricane Victims

Lily Bowman

The Belize Red Cross is offering assistance to the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) as part of the recovery process from Hurricane Earl. Even before the storm made landfall in Belize, its technical team were on the ground, providing assessment of damages in hard hit areas such as Ladyville and Belama. Executive Director, Lily Bowman explains.

Lily Bowman, Executive Director, Belize Red Cross

“We were activated before as you said and immediately after the hurricane.  Even before the all clear was really out, we were already circling around the city taking a rapid assessment of the damage.  And of course when we got into our office we were under water and mud as well.  So we had to give ourselves some relief, cleaning up and getting in order.  And right after we were hitting the pavement.  Carrying out assessments wherever we were assigned a specific area which was Ladyville but we have done other areas in that part of Belize.  Then we went into Belama area, Belama phase four and three.  We have been really non-stop busy, carrying out assessments.  We have carried out a few distributions as well, but it is more important to gather the information of those affected.  It’s a little difficult this time because it’s not just one area that was affected, its scattered.  We have to really assess everybody in order to find those that are most affected.”