Highlights:
UNICEF delivers 430 family hygiene kits and $35,000USD to the Government of Belize for humanitarian assistance.
All shelters were closed on Friday, 12 August 2016 so there are no remaining people in shelters but many families are placed in temporary homes, rent free, for 2-3 months.
UNICEF Belize along with PAHO/WHO continues to strengthen the WASH coordination mechanisms and is in close communication with the government and other partners to identify potential areas of support.
UNICEF produced, with the technical support of PAHO and the approval of the Ministry of Health, a list of SMS messages that are being broadcasted by SMART mobile phone company.
In Belize Rural North, the area of the country hardest hit by Hurricane Earl, flood relief continues. The Relief Supplies Management Committee is mobilizing outreach to people in affected communities with food, water and cleaning supplies.
Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs
Relief effort in response to the effects of the Hurricane ‘Earl’ that ripped through Belize on 4 August; providing assistance to nearly 8,000 people, as reported by the National Relief Supplies Committee/Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation (MHDSTPA). The Relief Supplies Management Committee (RSMC) continues to mobilize, reaching out to people in the affected communities with food, water, tarp/plastic sheeting, cleaning supplies, mattress etc. The Belize Red Cross is supporting NEMO with field operations. According to the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) pledges and donations are being given.
The Government of Belize has received a donation of $100,000USD from the Republic of China (Taiwan), in the wake of Hurricane Earl. Earlier this week, Belize Telemedia Limited donated $50,000USD to the Belize Red Cross and Hand in Hand Ministry, respectively. The IDB and the European Union have also contributed to the relief efforts, including kits to the affected populations. UNICEF has also contributed to the relief efforts by providing 430 hygiene kits and $35,000USD to the Government of Belize for clean-up activities, supporting also the protection against water and vector borne diseases.
The restoration of utilities is almost completed in the main lifeline sectors and humanitarian assessments and relief assistance continues. Housing material relief operations for preliminary roll out is being planned for 18 August 2016 and is meant to serve as self-help assistance only. Lists of potential beneficiaries are being validated by technical staff from building sections of the housing ministry, Central Building Authority (CBA) and City Council to prioritize the roll out.
Engineers support is required and volunteers are asked to contact NEMO.
People in Belize City who have been affected are being asked to call for the City Council’s assessment team to visit or call the Department of Human Services. The damage and loss information must be submitted to the NEMO office in the districts for verification. Details such as size of zinc, type of roof material, size of doors, and windows are asked to be given. Some roads and bridges in the Cayo District remain impassable due to a presence of heavy equipment and big trucks. Funds for clean-up activities and house repairs remain to be the priority needs for municipalities in the most affected districts.
Humanitarian leadership and coordination
The UN coordination continues to function well under the leadership of UNICEF and with the support from OCHA Regional office. The UNRC requested an ECG and U$49,000 was granted for clean-up efforts in the municipalities.
UNDP is also requesting funds for clean-up activities and UNICEF continues to advocate with the US Fund and other donors for support in emergency funding. As part of the OCHA grant that UNDP has received, family/hygiene kits are being purchased and UNDP has enlisted UNICEF’s assistance in using the LTA with the supplier to purchase items for an additional 75 hygiene kits. These kits will be distributed between Belize City and Belmopan.
This has been the first emergency event where UNICEF has acted as lead coordinating agency for the UN system. The experience has been valuable and a lessons learned exercise will be conducted to capture and reinforce best practices. e. The UN sitrep #3 is the last SitRep for UNETT, however, OCHA regional is open to provide support in further coordination and information management if there is an expressed need.