BELIZE CITY, Belize - June 6, 2008.

Tropical storm Arthur which passed over Belize this weekend resulted in severe flooding in lowland areas throughout the country of Belize. The areas most affected are the rural areas resulting in loss of homes and agricultural crops. The heaviest flooding occurred in southern Belize where there was some loss of life. Affected persons have been evacuated to shelters in the surrounding areas and the waters are subsiding.

The flooding damaged some areas on the Hummingbird and Southern Highways and motorists are advised to seek updated information before venturing in these areas as the roads may be impassable:

• Hummingbird Highway has some damage at mile 17 but the highway is passable between Belmopan and Dangriga
• The Hopkins road from the Southern Highway is open after some residual flooding on Tuesday
• Southern Highway - the bridge over the Sittee River is washed away and there is no vehicular traffic across the river at this time
• Coastal Road - the Mullins River bridge was washed away and there is no passage through at this time

Hotels in all tourism destinations are open and most tours fully operational with some tour alternatives in place for those locations affected by the interrupted transportation routes on the Hummingbird and Southern Highways. Southern Belize continues to be accessible via local airlines and by boat.

For the most part, in the affected areas, the waters are receding and the rains have subsided allowing for a slow return to normalcy.

The sun has reappeared and we invite you to check back here for tourism related updates which will be posted periodically.

• Official reports from the National Emergency Management Organization - www.nemo.org.bz
• Belize Embassies abroad for donations and assistance - www.mfa.gov.bz/representations/bze_embassies.php
• Current Belize weather - www.hydromet.gov.bz

Please feel free to email us here with any questions or concerns.

The Belize Tourism Board

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Tourism Update - Monday, June 3rd. 2008 - 10:30 a.m.

Evacuation efforts are ongoing in areas affected by the flooding.

• Reports in from various tourism destinations in Belize indicate that hotels are open and fully operational.
• Flights on local airlines are operational throughout the country.
• Water taxis to San Pedro and Caye Caulker remain in full service.
• The Hummingbird Highway remains impassable between Middlesex and Sarawee Villages due to flooding.
• The bridge at Sittee River Village on the Southern Highway has been washed away with no passage through to southern Belize at this time. This situation will be assessed as soon as waters subside.

Visitors who have driving plans for southern Belize are advised to check the highway status before embarking on their journeys.

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