Belize 2002

International Information

International Operation Name: Belize 2002

International Mission Name: Belize 2002

Mandating Organization: Government of Canada

Region Name: Central America

Location: Belize

Mission Date: 1 February 2002 - 7 February 2002

Canadian Forces (CF) Information (Belize 2002)

Canadian Task Force Name Mission Statement: To airlift relief supplies to Belize after Hurricane Keith.

CF Mission/Operation Notes: On 8 October 2001, Hurricane Keith, a category 4 hurricane, struck the Stann Creek and Toledo districts of Belize. Thirty-one people were killed, while thousands were left homeless by the high winds that destroyed almost all houses in both districts. The initial response from the government and various international organizations consisted of food and supplies such as kitchen sets, blankets, plastic sheeting and jerry cans and buckets. The rebuilding phase began in December and continued through May 2002. The Canadian government provided funds through the Canadian Red Cross to purchase concrete posts, rafters, and zinc sheeting for 59 houses in three villages. Various church and other no-governmental organizations in Canada also organized clothing, money and other relief supplies. In February, 436 Squadron flew humanitarian relief supplies to Belize.