Commission gives EURO 500,000 in immediate humanitarian aid following the hurricane in Belize

On the 15 October 2001, the European Commission moved quickly in response to Hurricane Iris, a small but powerful category 4 hurricane which struck southern Belize on 9 October 2001.

Channelled through the Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO) which came under the responsibility of Commissioner Poul Nielson, the €500,000 would help meet the urgent needs of the victims. So far, it was estimated that between 8,000 and 10,000 Belizeans were homeless, many of whom still remained isolated, without shelter, food and access to basic medicine and drinking water.