BELMOPAN, Belize (CMC) — The Government of Belize, in the aftermath of Hurricane Lisa, is requesting some US$11 million to meet immediate needs and to provide basic food, household supplies and construction materials to enable the affected population to have a level of human dignity.

On Wednesday, Hurricane Lisa crossed the mainland of the Caribbean Community country. While there were no reported loss of life or major injuries, approximately 39 per cent of the population was affected with initial estimates of losses to the housing sector amounting to approximately BZD $20 million (US$9.6 million).

Meanwhile, the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute has expressed willingness to support the government and conduct damage assessments and the distribution of supplies to farmers.

For its part, the Caribbean Public Health Agency is on standby to provide assistance concerning the reduction of waterborne illnesses and overall disease surveillance and eradication.

Assistance is also coming from the International Federation of Red Cross that has now procured shelter kits, cleaning and hygiene kits that can assist approximately 500 families as needed.

The Belize Red Cross says it is working closely with the National Emergency Management Organisation and has teams on the ground conducting assessments.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Belize has conducted assessments and identified schools which were damaged and have tents positioned in-country for use if the need arises.

Other regional and international entities including the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association and the CARICOM Private Sector Organisation have pledged support to Belize as needed.