Belize

        Belize is highly vulnerable to extreme weather events due to its location in the western Caribbean, an area frequently impacted by hurricanes and tropical storms. According to the National Meteorological Service of Belize (2023), the country experiences an average of two to three tropical systems each year, with hurricane season lasting from June to November. Low-lying coastal regions and offshore islands are especially at risk of storm surges and flooding. Historical events like Hurricane Hattie in 1961 and Hurricane Iris in 2001 caused catastrophic damage to infrastructure and agriculture, highlighting the nation’s ongoing exposure to severe storms.       Climate change is further increasing Belize’s risk of extreme weather. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2022 ) notes that rising sea levels and higher sea surface temperatures are intensifying storms and flooding across the Caribbean. In Belize, these changes threaten ...

       Nestled on the Caribbean coast of Central America,  Belize  is a country known for its tropical beauty, rich biodiversity, and vibrant culture. But behind its scenic rainforests and coastal views lies a growing concern for  mass wasting , or the downslope movement of soil and rock caused by gravity. Like many countries in the region, Belize faces the challenge of landslides and slope failures, especially during periods of intense rain or storms.      Mass wasting events in Belize are often triggered by  heavy rainfall, hurricanes, and deforestation . During the rainy season, intense storms can saturate the soil, causing slopes to become unstable. The hilly and mountainous regions of southern Belize, particularly around the  Maya Mountains , are the most prone to landslides. In 2022, for example, several small landslides were reported along the Hummingbird Highway after days of continuous rainfall, temporarily blocki...