45 years ago....

[HurricaneBill]

The latest occuring Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic smashed into Belize.

Hurricane Hattie had sustained winds of 160 mph and a barometric pressure of 920mb.

Belize City, then the capital of Belize, was destroyed and survivors struggled for days amongst the ruins trying to find food. The government eventually relocated the capital to Belmopan.

Over 400 people lost their lives during Hattie.

After violence and looting broke out, the British frigate, HMS Troubridge, sent in officers to aid colony police in getting the situation under control. 4 looters were hung in the center of town as a warning to the people.

The town of Stann Creek was obliterated and a new town eventually formed out of the temporary shelters there. The town was later renamed Hattieville.

Hattie eventually moved into the Eastern Pacific and was renamed Tropical Storm Simone. Simone then moved back over Mexico and into the Gulf and was renamed Tropical Storm Inga.

Hattie is often referred to as the "storm with 3 names".