Dear Fellow Belizeans and Friends of Belize,
On 2 November 2022, Hurricane Lisa made landfall on Belize as a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph. It brought 4-6 inches of rain across Belize and was accompanied by a storm surge that raised water levels by as much as 4 to 7 feet above normal tide levels. This powerful hurricane pounded the Belize District, the most populous district, for more than two hours, affecting 39% of the population. Though there has been no loss of life, or major injuries resulting from the hurricane, substantial damage to property has been recorded. Approximately five hundred houses have been destroyed, and 5,000 houses have been partially destroyed.
There were over 5,000 people in shelters during the storm and intense efforts are underway to get those remaining in shelters into repaired housing, rented facilities and with family and friends so that children can return to school as quickly as possible. School buildings were used as hurricane shelters and classrooms are being readied for the return of students.
Belizeans are working together for the massive clean-up; restoration of utilities and, most importantly, getting people back into their homes and children prepared for school as quickly as possible. Belize is still grappling with the devasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and economy of our people, and the inflationary pressures exacerbated by the War in Ukraine. We urgently need your help in getting basic shelter and food to this vulnerable community which was the hardest hit by Hurricane Lisa. A sample of the items that are being purchased can be found here:
We are kindly asking for your urgent financial assistance. Your assistance will go to urgent home repairs, replacement of personal and household items as well as school supplies. A sample list of the supplies list can be found here. Please give what you can as every form of assistance is greatly needed and appreciated.
Please send donations to either of the following bank accounts and be sure to send us a copy of the bank transaction with your name so that we can track and account for all funding received.
Furthermore, we ask for your assistance, as constituents, in raising the impact of Hurricane Lisa on Belize with your Members of Parliament (MPs). Writing to your MP requesting that this natural disaster be raised in the House of Commons will go a long way in supporting us in bolstering solidarity and support for our beloved country as we work towards recovery.
We thank you for your kindness and generosity in these challenging times.
1: For Donations Made From UK Bank Account
| Beneficiary Bank | National Bank of Egypt |
|---|---|
| Sort Code | 40-51-11 |
| Account Number | 26539800 |
| Account Name | Belize High Commission |
| Reference | Hurricane Lisa |
2: For Donations made Directly to Belize:
Payment is to be directed to:
| Beneficiary Bank | Federal Reserve Bank of New York Federal Reserve P.O. Station New York N.Y.10045 |
|---|---|
| SWIFT | FRNYUS33 |
| Beneficiary Account: | 021083271 |
| BIC: | CEBBBZBZ |
| Beneficiary Name: | Central Bank of Belize 1 Gabourel Lane Belize City, Belize |
| Further Credit: | Government of Belize 311318 |
| Reference Field 72: | Ministry of Foreign Affairs Payment purpose: Hurricane Lisa |
HE Mrs Therese Rath
High Commissioner of Belize to the United Kingdom
