...Hurricane Iris Strikes Belize

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Iris struck about 8 pm on October 8, 2001 with sustained winds of 145 mph

Heliconia Haven, the surrounding rainforest, and the homes and crops of our 
Maya neighbors were all virtually destroyed by Hurricane Iris.  
Most tourist areas were NOT affected, except Placencia, which was hit hard.

Nature and the Maya rebound quickly.  Most homes, including our Cecropia Camp, have been rebuilt.  Wildlife is abundant. 
See the new Cecropia Camp images here

click image to enlarge satelite view

Whole villages, with populations ranging from more than 1000 people to under 100 reported up to 95% of their structures, primarily thatch roof buildings, as being damaged or destroyed.

Villages hardest hit were: Big Falls (near Heliconia Haven), Medina Bank, San Marcos, Indian Creek, Silver Creek, San Miguel, San Pedro Colombia, Mafredi, San Antonio, Santa Cruz, Santa Elena, Pueblo Viejo, Jalacte, Blue Creek, Aguacate, Crique Jute, San Jose and Xulinha.

click image to enlarge path of Iris

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Here are
before (left)
and
after (right)
 images of
Heliconia Haven

Palm Garden
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Path to Palm Garden 
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Path to Palm Garden 
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View north from Big Falls Village - before
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At least 10 schools were destroyed

From the air, it seemed as though a swath 15-20 miles wide was cut through the rainforest.  More like a giant tornado than a hurricane.

My brother Bruce cutting our 
way into the property - 
click image to enlarge

More images and the
new Cecropia Camp

Now, after these depressing images, a better view of Belize!  The image below was taken from the Hummingbird Highway.

Enjoy.

 

More images and the
new Cecropia Camp

A view from the Hummingbird highway

Nature and the Maya rebound quickly. 
Most homes, including our Cecropia Camp, have been rebuilt. 
Wildlife is abundant. 
See the new Cecropia Camp images here

More Image Galleries Below

Images copyright © 1999-2004 by BelizeHank