We talked about Hurricane Hattie that Belize experienced

What happened in Belize on October 31, 1961? hurricane Hattie It was so terrifying that it became one of the most destructive hurricanes, causing deaths and massive damage. The city was flattened by a storm. Hundreds of deaths, damage to factories, damage to crops…

Despite detailed warnings and preliminary preparations made early on, hurricane Hattiecaused great destruction. The hurricane, which could be felt not only in Belize but even in some states of America, left the most devastating effect in the city of Belize. If you are ready, let’s take a look at the details of how Hurricane Hattie started, how it continued, how it ended, and the destruction it caused.

Let’s start with the basics, what exactly is Belize?

Belize is located on the northeastern coast of Central America It is a Caribbean country. In fact, it is considered both a Central American and a Caribbean country. It is bordered by Guatemala to the west and south, Mexico to the north, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Its population is around 420,000.

The country, which was originally part of the Mayan lands, has a rich history and hosts a mixed society with different languages ​​and cultures. Moreover, it is the only country in Central America whose official language is English, an English-based language. “Belize Creole”, spoken by one-third of the population. The country’s terrestrial and aquatic species richness also provides ecosystem diversity.

In 1961, a hurricane occurred in the country: “Hurricane Hattie”.

Hurricane Hattie first began in a slowly developing low pressure area in the Caribbean Sea. Ninth tropical storm of the season and was its seventh hurricane. It would go on to become one of the deadliest hurricanes of the Atlantic hurricane season. The storm grew as it moved north over San Andres Island, traveling at nearly 130 km per hour. This strong advance was a sign that it would turn into a hurricane.

Many islands and even the state of Florida felt the increased winds. The storm lasted for days, After Belize City on October 31 It ended up dispersing completely around the mountains of Guatemala. But the destruction it caused in the central city of Belize was incredibly bad.

There was advance warning that Hurricane Hattie was coming.

The Miami Weather Bureau quickly issued detailed warnings, giving the area plenty of time to prepare for the storm. Much of the southwestern Caribbean has been warned to prepare for heavy rain and flash flooding. Citizens of Jamaica and Cuba, vile to evacuate the areas It was said. Small ships were warned not to stay at sea.

Many risky areas, such as Belize City, were evacuated and people looked for other places to stay. Although stronger than the hurricane that killed at least 2,000 people in 1931, this advance warning and meticulous preparation saved hundreds of lives, but not everyone was so lucky.

Hurricane Hattie traveled through many islands before disappearing.

The hurricane caused numerous injuries, deaths, and millions of dollars worth of damage. First, it took a life on San Andres Island. Many injuries and deaths also occurred in Grand Cayman, the Swan Islands, Guatemala and Honduras. The islands of Turneffe and Caye Caulker were completely flooded. He quickly passed through these areas and arrived in Belize. with strength came.

The city of Belize, home to at least 30,000 people, was at sea level. Hurricane Hattie, As we continued towards the inner regions, high waves and storms shook the city. The wind speed was at least 161 km per hour and the waves coming from the beach had tripled in size. The storm cut off electricity, destroyed almost all wooden houses, damaged crops, knocked down trees, blew off roofs… More than half of the houses in Belize City were damaged and thousands of people were left homeless. In addition, government buildings and factories suffered permanent damage.

The devastation caused by Hurricane Hattie in Belize was heartbreaking.

When it was all over, the area was flattened and covered in mud and debris. more than 400 people citizen lost his life in the hurricane. Additionally, a loss worth $60,000,000 was incurred. Following Hurricane Hattie, the city of Belize declared martial law. The roads could not be used for days due to floods and mud.

Diseases were also spreading, corpses were floating around. Doctors had vaccinated 12,000 people a day to prevent the spread of the disease. They had to burn the corpses en masse by government order. People in different cities of Belize donated supplies to those staying in Belize City. The United States and Canada also provided manpower and food assistance. At least 20 people were arrested the day after the hurricane. About 200 British soldiers arrived from Jamaica to stop the looting and restore order.

The area where the people staying in Belize city lived was called “Hattieville”.

Thanks to the aid, homeless people set up a tent city in an area of ​​several kilometers. A few months later, normal houses were established and the area was settled. It was called “Hattieville.” More than a thousand people still live in Hattieville, which is home to the only central prison in Belize.

While the city was being rebuilt, government officials decided to move the city to higher ground. Belmopan district to which the city was moved Home to more than 15,000 people and at least 60 meters above sea level.

This new location brought industrial opportunities and provided relatively better protection against future storms. Still, the terrible nightmare that befell the people living in Belize in 1961 was never forgotten. Hattie as one of the world’s most destructive hurricanes It went down in history.

Hurricane Hattie, Even though it is a natural disaster of a different type and in different places, we are sure that everyone who reads this content is reminded of the devastating earthquake disaster that occurred in our country last year. By the way, let us reiterate that we commemorate those who lost their lives in the earthquake and wish patience to the remaining families…

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