Belize experienced heavy rains, localized flooding and large waves along the coast after Hurricane Dean made landfall in southern Mexico early Tuesday morning with the southern edge passing through the country's northern region. With minimal damages incurred, the government of Belize said the country is able to welcome guests and that most hotels and business are open and operational. There was no damage sustained in Belize City nor in western or southern Belize. Northern Belize experienced the greatest impact, while the islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker have limited structural damage, battered foliage, debris and some level of beach erosion. Water, electricity and telephone services have been restored on the islands and remain available in every region of the country with the exception of north Ambergris Caye, Corozal and Orange Walk districts in the north.
The Philip Goldson International Airport is open for daily operations to both regional and international destinations. Tropic Air and Maya Island Air, Belize's local air carriers, have resumed normal flight service to the San Pedro on Ambergris Caye and continue to fly to all other regions of the country. Major U.S.-based airlines including American Airlines, Continental Airlines and US Airways have resumed their normal schedule of flights into Belize. Visit [www.travelbelize.org].