Islanders leave homes as hurricane looms

Hurricane Richard formed in the Caribbean and steamed towards an expected landfall today in the tiny Central American nation of Belize, where hundreds of people were moved from their homes.

A hurricane warning was in effect for Belize and western Honduras, where Richard dumped heavy rains on the coast and the Bay Islands, which are popular with tourists and divers.

The storm’s winds strengthened to 85 mph, and its centre was located about 95 miles east-south-east of Belize City, according to the US National Hurricane Centre in Miami.

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Richard was moving west-north-west at about 12 mph on a projected path that would take it right at Belize City, according to the centre. Forecasters said Richard could strengthen to a Category 2 hurricane before hitting land.

Belize City is full of wooden, tin-roofed houses that are highly vulnerable to strong winds. It was devastated by Hurricane Hattie in 1961, prompting officials to move the capital inland to Belmopan. But Belize City is still the nation’s largest population centre, with about 100,000 inhabitants.

However officials in Belize said they expected Richard to hit south of the capital, between Belize City and the coastal town of Dangriga. They warned people living in flimsy homes or low-lying areas to evacuate.

The National Emergency Management Organisation also urged merchants not to raise prices for people who stocked up on basic necessities.

More than 90 people took refuge in shelters in the Bay Islands, which lie between Honduras and Belize.

No deaths or injuries had been reported in Honduras so far.

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