7 News Belize

Belize City, Another Look
posted (August 5, 2016)
And so far tonight we've shown you the aftermath of the storm in San Pedro and in Vista Del Mar Ladyville. But, right here in our home base of Belize City there was a lot to capture. We showed you some of that last night, and tonight we have more stuff that we captured right after the storm before the clean up crews swept in. Here's what it looked like:...

Jules Vasquez reporting
Belize City streets looked like a calm river after the storm. Fallen lampposts were a regular sight and here between Ferrel's Lane and Albert Street pickups had to pick the shallowest channel no one would be playing basketball on this day and the streets looked like they needed a cleanup.

At yabra field, the strength of the hurricane winds still showed even after the storm. Albert Street near the historic St. John's Cathedral was impassable due to fallen trees.

On Regent Street, the thick film of silt covered the street, this is the silt brought up from the sea bottom. Walking on this street felt like walking in a septic tank.

On Southern Foreshore, the sea and the street were almost undistinguishable from each other and ocean ferry lost its roof - the former fire station building a long ways off from its former glory in the downtown area.

With the last trails of Tropical storm winds, the sea still had huge swells rolling in this sugar barge seems to have gotten away and found itself washed up by the Lighthouse.

The Radisson Pier was again crippled by another hurricane, this time reducing it to a few scattered logs.

Those with high enough vehicles could take a circle, while others had to stay home and tend to their leaky roofs.

The water ran off fast enough on Douglas Jones Street. While by Pound Yard bridge it was bumper high - almost enough to stall a car.

Downed signs seems to have been a favorite target of the storm and wide roads looked like rivers.

While the police stayed on patrol - pushing their Wingles to the limit. Some homes took more damage than others, while even dry streets that had drained off were in a state.

This lap post wilted by Wilt Cummberatch field - and people expressed their loss:

Hurricane Victim #1
"The wind was so strong, blowing in so many different speed per mileage - coming in from the coast, the water came this side around 12am last night. We had to come out and rescue some folks from the neighborhood around here. One guy got swept away by the water. Up to now we haven't found him yet. The police were out here doing their job, but due to the high level of the water they couldn't accomplish anything. You see what the wind did to the Seaside Guest House - likewise we are picking up the debris from the left overs. Actually Hurricane Earl was a severe storm even though it was a category 1, it still gives us a thought to remember that we must always get ready in time to prepare for another hurricane. Even though this is the start of the hurricane season, it's an eye-opener for Belizeans and other people around."

Hurricane Victim #2
"Well my house had a verandah, as you can see the whole roof ripped off and flew two houses back. My almond tree is destroyed. My garden is destroyed. My house is about this deep in silt and clay and mud. My plumbing got destroyed. My fences are blown down and everything is wet."

Daniel Ortiz
"How much do you think more or less will it cost you to repair all the damages you suffered?"

Hurricane Victim #2
"I really have no idea. I can't say."

Daniel Ortiz
"What's the remnants of the shop, is it completely destroyed?"

Hurricane Victim #3
"Yes, it's completely destroyed. Everything - the fridge, the cooler, the store, the plates, pots, spoons - everything is on the ground. The whole top just flew off with the front. Everything has been destroyed. This is my livelihood that I try to make my little money every day selling food, fruits and vegetable to take care of my children them - to maintain them throughout the school year and everything."

Daniel Ortiz
"Sir, without the shop, are you able to operate?"

Hurricane Victim #3
"Not really, because then it becomes a struggle now. Because now I have to find something else to do or try to look for some boards or seek help for plywood, zinc to rebuild the shop so I can continue providing nice food and fruits for the community as well as my kids."

Daniel Ortiz
"How can people reach you if they would want to assist you with maybe materials and supplies?"

Hurricane Victim #3
"I have a phone that is 665-2940 or you can contact my other half at 605-3203. I am Kirk and that is Miss Luwena."

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