Michelle batters Cuba; Belizeans safe

In news from the region, on Sunday night Hurricane Michelle battered the island of Cuba with winds of more than one hundred and thirty miles per hour and substantial amounts of rain. It is estimated tonight that five people died after the buildings they were using as shelters collapsed. The hardest hit parts of the island are believed to be Centro Havana and Matanzas. The country also suffered tremendous losses in the agriculture sector, especially the citrus, tobacco and banana industries. No official damage assessment reports have been released, but it is likely estimates will be in the millions. News 5 spoke with Belize’s Ambassador to Cuba Amalia Mai tonight, who informs us that all Belizeans have been accounted for and that everyone is safe. The students will be participating in recovery efforts tomorrow as part of volunteer service day. The business delegation that was stranded on the island when all airports were closed will be able to return to Belize tomorrow.