The Last Hurricane to Impact Belize – Hurricane Lisa (November 2022)

Introduction

When it comes to tropical cyclones, the Central American nation of Belize is no stranger — but fortunately major hits are relatively rare. The most recent hurricane to make landfall in Belize was Hurricane Lisa, which struck the country in early November 2022. This article provides a detailed, overview of Hurricane Lisa: its formation, landfall, damage, key statistics, response, lessons learned, and what visitors and residents should know for future preparedness.

What was Hurricane Lisa?

Hurricane Lisa developed in the Atlantic basin and strengthened before making landfall on Belize’s coast. According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and other sources:

• Lisa made landfall in the Belize District around midday on 2 November 2022.
• It was classified as a Category 1 hurricane at landfall, with winds reaching around 85 mph.
• It struck about 10 miles southwest of Belize City, at the mouth of the Sibun River (17.4°N, 88.3°W) according to PAHO’s report “Situation Report #8”.

Path & Meteorological Highlights

• The storm travelled west‑wards after landfall, crossing the Belize mainland from the Belize District into the Cayo District, causing inland damage.
• While it was not a large or extremely powerful storm compared with Category 4 or 5 events, its timing (late in the season) and the vulnerable coastal setting meant the impact was still significant.
• Its landfall in November is notable: many storms hit earlier in the “peak” of the Atlantic hurricane season; a November landfall underscores that the threat lingers.

Impact on Belize

Affected Areas

• The Belize District (including Belize City and surrounding communities) was most heavily impacted. PAHO estimated that over 94,271 residents in the district were severely affected.
• The Cayo District (inland) also sustained significant damage, particularly as the storm moved across the mainland.

Damage & Statistics

• According to PAHO’s Situation Report #5 and #8:
  • Approximately 500 houses were completely destroyed.
  • Around 5,000 houses were partially destroyed (damaged roofs, flooding, structural loss).
  • Estimated housing sector damage: US$10 million.
  • Overall infrastructure, agriculture, utilities damage: estimated at US$100 million.
  • Immediate relief needs (food, bedding, construction materials) were estimated at about US$11 million.
• Notably, no deaths were reported in Belize from Hurricane Lisa.

Types of Damage

• Wind damage: Uprooted trees, damaged roofs, downed power lines in coastal and inland zones. The utility company Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) reported major disruptions.
• Flooding: Heavy rains and coastal surges caused inundation in low‑lying zones, especially in the Belize District.
• Infrastructure: Roadways, bridges, public buildings and utilities were impacted. Many areas faced power outages, especially rural and coastal communities.
• Housing: Many homes (especially those with weaker construction) suffered partial or total destruction.
• Agriculture and fisheries: Though not to the extent of major Category 4/5 storms, effects included loss of crops, damage to fishing boats and coastal infrastructure.

Why It’s Important to Understand Lisa’s Impact

• Reminds us that even “weak” hurricanes (Category 1) can inflict serious damage, especially on vulnerable coastlines and under‑prepared infrastructure.
• Timing matters: Late‑season landfalls can catch people off guard when the perception is that “hurricane season is ending”.
• Lessons for resilience: Belize’s experience helps inform policies on local building codes, disaster preparedness (shelters, power grid resilience), and community awareness.
• Tourism & economy: Belize is heavily tourism‑dependent; storms affect hotels, marine operations, and transportation. Quick recovery is crucial.
• Implications for future storms: With climate change and rising sea‑levels, even moderate storms could become more dangerous. Understanding Lisa’s impact helps prepare for what might come.

Lessons Learned & Preparedness Tips

Key Takeaways from Belize’s Response

1. Early alerts and evacuations are vital: Belize’s government and NEMO (National Emergency Management Organization) activated plans ahead of landfall, which likely helped avoid fatalities.
2. Utility restoration matters: The quicker power, water and communications are restored, the faster communities recover (BEL achieved 70–95 % power restoration quickly in affected districts)
3. Housing resilience: Roofs, anchoring, and maintenance of older housing stock is critical. Many of the lost houses were less resilient.
4. Infrastructure vulnerability: Roads, bridges and drainage systems need ongoing upgrades to cope with flooding, surges and heavy rainfall.
5. Public awareness & community action: Community‑level readiness, knowing evacuation routes and having supplies made a difference.

Preparedness Tips for Residents and Visitors

• Know the season: Hurricane season in the Atlantic runs from June 1 to November 30 — but threats linger into November.
• Monitor official sources: In Belize, watch alerts from NEMO, the Belize Meteorological Service and official advisories.
• Have a plan: For residents — know your shelter locations, have a supply kit (food, water, basic first‑aid). For visitors — factor in contingency days, insurance, evacuation routes.
• Check your accommodation’s resilience: Ensure hotels or guest‑houses on the coast have good storm‑preparedness infrastructure (anchored roofs, backup power, safe zones).
• Plan for power loss & flooding: Even if winds are moderate, flooding can harm mobility. Keep extra time, budget and flexibility if travelling.
• Respect the ‘All Clear’: Many accidents happen when people prematurely leave shelters or return to unsafe zones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When did Hurricane Lisa hit Belize?
A: On 2 November 2022, it made landfall in the Belize District.

Q: How strong was Hurricane Lisa when it hit Belize?
A: It was a Category 1 hurricane at landfall, with winds around 85 mph.

Q: What was the damage cost of Hurricane Lisa in Belize?
A: Estimated overall damage to infrastructure and shared sectors was about US$100 million, plus about US$10 million in housing sector damage.

Q: Were there any fatalities from Hurricane Lisa in Belize?
A: No deaths were officially reported from Hurricane Lisa in Belize.

Q: What should tourists visiting Belize know after a hurricane?
A: Even if a named storm passes, after‑effects such as flooding, power outages and damaged transport can linger. It’s wise to travel with flexibility (especially in Nov) and check local advisories.

Conclusion

Hurricane Lisa serves as a timely reminder that the hurricane threat in Belize remains real — even for storms that may appear moderate in strength. For both residents and visitors, awareness, preparation and respect for nature’s power go a long way. With the right mindset and actions, the country continues to strengthen its resilience — but each event like Lisa offers lessons worth heeding.