Calabash Caye Field Station Hit Hard By Hurricane Richard

Hurricane Richard struck Belize on Sunday, October 24, 2010 hitting the Calabash Caye Field Station at around 11 a.m. and continued until around 7 p.m. in the evening with Category 1 force winds. The storm caused substantial damage to the caye and facilities which has made work at the field station impracticable for the time being. The hurricane caused major damage to the solar system, wind turbine, the water system, staff quarters, kitchen, lecture hall, dormitory and the pier. The total cost of the repair of these damages is estimated at $551,209.37. There is an urgent need for help to get these repairs underway to ensure that the station's essential functions are returned as quickly as possible. UB ERI hopes to continue plans to continue with its current monitoring work and we are hoping to fundraise to rebuild structures that were not insured. Our target for full operations is February 2011 when our groups for the New Year are expected. Assistance in any form is always welcome and anyone interested in assisting us with our recovery efforts can contact us.