BELMOPAN, Belize (CMC):

The Belize Government has declared the Corozal District a disaster area following the devastation caused by Hurricane Dean that swept past the country on Tuesday.

A government statement said that Prime Minister Said Musa made an on-site inspection of the district and "there is extensive damage to many homes in Corozal Town and the surrounding villages.

"Many homes lost their roof and suffered extensive damage to their bedding and other household items. Power lines are down and the entire district is without electricity.

"Fruit crops were destroyed, that is, mangoes, avocado, coconut, cornfields blown down and sugar cane fields water-logged and the papaya plantations completely wiped out. Trees were blown down in many areas. At this point there seems to be no extensive flooding," the statement added.