Countries in the region, including Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republic, are expected to endure several days of intense weather, amid fears that infrastructure could be overwhelmed and essential services disrupted.
“All hurricane preparation efforts are vital to mitigate damage and loss of life in the most vulnerable communities.especially in regions like the Caribbean. Small islands always face greater vulnerability to extreme climate events,” said Roberto Benes, Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
“UNICEF helps strengthen national capacities to anticipate and respond to climate-related emergencies and provide essential services for children. This is essential to protect those who need it most.”
Humanitarian preparedness and response
United Nations agencies and partners have pre-positioned rescue suppliesincluding hygiene materials, water purifiers, medical kits and cash transfers to support vulnerable families..
In Haiti, 450 metric tons of food have been prepositioned and cash transfers provided to 9,500 households in the south to mitigate the impact of the storm. Around 3,400 hygiene kits, non-food items and accommodation have also been placed for 44,000 households and medical kits for 11,000 people.
In Jamaica, the Red Cross and local authorities have mobilized early, preparing emergency shelters and stocking relief items for some 165,000 people in high-risk parishes, including Saint Elizabeth, Clarendon, Saint Catherine, Kingston, Saint Thomas and Portland.
Communities prepare for impact
Communities are already experiencing heavy rain and gusty winds, and Forecasters warn that flooding could exceed that caused by Hurricane Beryl 16 months ago, which left significant financial and infrastructure damage..
Flooding is expected to be severe in informal, coastal and low-lying settlements, and heavy rainfall is likely to cause landslides in mountainous areas. Ports, airports and key infrastructure could also be affected, complicating emergency response.
There are also reports of deaths and injuries. In Haiti, three people were killed and one seriously injured in a landslide in the western part of the capital, Port-au-Prince. One death has also been reported in the Dominican Republic.
Growing risks for the Caribbean
According to UNICEF, over the past decade, approximately 11 million people, including almost four million children, were directly affected by disasters each year in Latin America and the Caribbean.
As the storm approaches, national authorities are urging communities to follow safety guidelines, evacuate vulnerable areas and seek shelter.
UN agencies continue to coordinate with governments and partners, emphasizing the protection of children and the most vulnerable populations.