Devastation in the Caribbean: UN Secretary-General Voices Concern Over Hurricane Melissa

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has expressed grave concern over the impact of Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded, which has brought widespread devastation to the Caribbean. The hurricane made landfall in Jamaica, causing catastrophic rain and wind, and is also triggering flooding in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The UN has offered its full support to countries across the region, mobilizing resources and personnel to assist those affected.

Key Takeaways:

• Hurricane Melissa is one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded, causing widespread devastation across the Caribbean.
• The hurricane made landfall in Jamaica, bringing catastrophic rain and wind, and is also triggering flooding in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
• The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has expressed grave concern over the impact of the hurricane, conveying his condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives and wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.
• The UN has allocated $4 million apiece for Haiti and Cuba from its Central Emergency Response Fund to help communities prepare ahead of the storm and reduce its impact.
• UN teams are prepositioned, with additional staff ready to deploy at short notice, and the agency will work closely with affected nations to assess needs and provide assistance.
• The UN will also explore launching appeals to respond to the humanitarian needs triggered by Hurricane Melissa.
• The Secretary-General stands in solidarity with the Governments and people affected by Hurricane Melissa, highlighting the need for international cooperation in responding to the disaster.
• Resident coordinators on the ground are leading the UN's response efforts, working closely with authorities and humanitarian partners.
• The UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is implementing its anticipatory action programme, mobilizing resources to mitigate the impact of the storm.

Statistics:

• The hurricane is one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded.
• $4 million in emergency funding has been allocated by the UN for Haiti and Cuba.
• UN teams are prepositioned, with additional staff ready to deploy at short notice.
• The UN is working closely with affected nations, including Jamaica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti.
• The hurricane has triggered flooding in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Sources:

• Statement by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, available at https://press.un.org/en/2025/sgsm22886.doc.htm.