The UN Workplace for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) mentioned that after crossing Jamaica, Cuba and the Bahamas, Melissa’s extreme results have been additionally felt in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and elements of Central America.
UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) — The United Nations and companions are assessing the devastation left by Hurricane Melissa throughout a lot of the Caribbean, coordinating reduction efforts and delivering help, UN humanitarians mentioned Thursday.
The UN Workplace for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) mentioned that after crossing Jamaica, Cuba and the Bahamas, Melissa’s extreme results have been additionally felt in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and elements of Central America.
OCHA mentioned that the hurricane prompted widespread injury to properties, infrastructure and crops, with the Pan American Well being Group reporting that well being amenities have been significantly affected.
“The UN and companions, already mobilized earlier than the storm’s impression, are delivering help and supporting injury assessments, coordination and logistics in shut collaboration with nationwide authorities,” the workplace mentioned.
The UN Kids’s Fund (UNICEF) estimated that the storm impacted the lives of greater than 700,000 youngsters throughout the Caribbean.
“Within the wake of relentless floods throughout the Caribbean, a whole lot of 1000’s of kids have seen their lives upended all of the sudden,” mentioned Roberto Benes, UNICEF regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean.
UNICEF mentioned that most of the hardest-hit communities are extraordinarily tough to succeed in as a consequence of broken infrastructure and ongoing flooding. Households are trapped in submerged neighborhoods with out energy or stay in shelters, and entry to scrub water and sanitation is critically compromised.
The World Meals Programme mentioned it has begun logistics operations to ship reduction provides to Jamaica from the Caribbean Regional Logistics Hub in Barbados, together with 2,000 emergency meals kits for airlift and extra gadgets to be delivered by sea.
“We and our companions are additionally offering help in logistics, well being, sanitation, early restoration, and safety,” OCHA mentioned.
OCHA mentioned that as a result of the Anticipatory Motion Plan was activated forward of Melissa’s landfall, UN businesses have been capable of ship early help, together with well being provides, tarpaulins, mills, mattresses and agricultural supplies.
In Haiti, OCHA mentioned that heavy rains and robust winds linked to the hurricane prompted extreme flooding, landslides and destruction throughout a number of departments. Greater than 14,000 folks sought refuge in additional than 100 momentary shelters throughout the nation.
OCHA mentioned that humanitarian wants are important in Haiti, significantly in clear water, hygiene provides and sanitation. Shelter supplies, blankets and transport help are additionally wanted for remoted communities.
The workplace mentioned anticipatory motion and preparedness measures allowed humanitarian companions to reply shortly. The Worldwide Group for Migration is supporting the administration of greater than 150 evacuation shelters and has distributed over 1,200 shelters.
The UN Refugee Company and its companions are ready to hold out safety screening and monitoring in hurricane-affected areas, figuring out weak people and making certain well timed referrals to applicable companies.
