 On October 2 , the government of Belize declared a state of emergency and activated the entire Belize Defence Force due to the storm 's threat . The airport in Belize City was closed during Keith 's passage , limiting transportation from the country 's mainland to its offshore islands . In Corozal , Belize , authorities evacuated the entire city of 10 @,@ 000 people to numerous shelters in Orange Walk . Officials were also ordered evacuations for Belize City , setting up shelters in Belmopan . Overall , about 25 @,@ 000 people evacuate , or about 10 % of Belize 's population . Three hospitals were evacuated in the country . In a post @-@ storm assessment , residents on the offshore islands acknowledged they were unprepared for the storm and did not anticipate such intensity . 
