Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) advises that the company conducted a damage assessment earlier today and has commenced restoration works to provide power supply to areas affected by power outages since the passage of Hurricane Richard on Sunday.

The hurricane caused downed power lines and damaged utility poles in several parts of the Belize and Cayo districts. Employees are working diligently to restore power as soon as possible, while priority is being placed on restoration to critical services such as hospitals.

As part of the restoration works, BEL work crews are thoroughly inspecting distribution power lines, as well as service connections to customers' homes and businesses to ensure that it is safe to energize each community. BEL must ensure that these issues are addressed before energizing power systems in various communities. For example, if the company energizes a power system and there remain wires lying in water, this would present a critical safety hazard to the public.

Customers along the Western Highway from La Democracia to Blackman Eddy may not have power restored until Tuesday due to extensively damaged transmission lines.

Power supply has been restored to Independence Village, Punta Gorda town and surrounding areas. The company expects to restore power to approximately 50% of customers in Dangriga town and surrounding areas while repairs to damaged infrastructure continues.

In Belmopan, San Ignacio and surrounding areas, the company is aiming to restore power supply to at least 80% of customers by later tonight.

In Belize City, power will likely be restored to 60% of customers tonight and in Ladyville and Hattieville, 90% of customers.

Pockets of customers in all affected areas will remain without power due to extensively damaged infrastructure such as transformers and these areas need to remain disconnected in order to conduct repairs.

The Northern Zone, which includes the Corozal and Orange Walk districts and San Pedro town, were not affected by power outages due to Hurricane Richard.

BEL thanks customers for their patience and will continue to provided updated information as it becomes available.