CHURCH WORLD SERVICE: EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROGRAM
SITUATION REPORT: HURRICANE KEITH
October 2, 2000


SITUATION: Winds and rains from Hurricane Keith, a category 3 hurricane,
pounded the Caribbean coast of Belize today, causing flooding in coastal
areas. Belize City, the nation's largest city, was reported flooded and
without power, Reuters reported.

The storm was weakening, according to the US National Hurricane Center,
though it remained a serious threat, with winds close to 100 mph. Though
Belize was the most seriously affected area, heavy rains were also
reported throughout Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, eastern Mexico, Honduras
and Nicaragua, according to Reuters.

Forecasters said the rains could produce flash floods and mudslides.


RESPONSE: CWS is awaiting assessment information from its partner, the
Caribbean Council of Churches, about any assistance to the most vulnerable
in Belize. CWS will continue to closely monitor the situation in coming
days if the hurricane threatens other areas, including the US Gulf coast.

Call the CWS HOTLINE for updates: (800) 297-1516, ext. 111.

For further information about disasters to which Church World Service is
responding, contact CWS Emergency Response.

Telephone: (212) 870-3151
After-hours emergency pager: (800) 780-0853
Web site: www.cwserp.org


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