AKIPRESS.COM - Hurricane Earl is gathering strength as it makes landfall in Belize, in Central America, officials say.

The US National Hurricane Center says Earl now has speeds of up to 130km/h (80mph), with the eye of the storm now passing just north of Belize City.

Belize's National Emergency Management Organisation (Nemo) warned of flash flooding and mudslides in Earl's wake.

Heavy rains have fallen on Honduras. The storm is forecast to continue through northern Guatemala into Mexico.

Residents of Belize City and other coastal communities have been urged by the authorities to move inland and take advantage of higher ground or a network of storm shelters.

Officials ordered the closure of the city's international airport while archaeological reserves and national parks were also shut.