Devastating Impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica: UN Heads Pledge Support

Strategic Insights -

Hurricane Melissa, a category 5 storm, ravaged Jamaica on Tuesday, leaving behind unprecedented destruction and a trail of devastation. The United Nations (UN) has swiftly responded to the disaster, with UN officials emphasizing the need for extensive resources to rebuild and recover the island's thriving economy. As the UN continues to work closely with governments and humanitarian partners, the organization has allocated significant funds to support communities in need.

Key Takeaways:

  • The category 5 storm, Hurricane Melissa, made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, resulting in "never seen before" devastation, according to UN Resident Coordinator Dennis Zulu.
  • Preliminary damage assessments indicate a "tremendous and unprecedented destruction of infrastructure" across the island.
  • The UN has allocated $4 million each to Haiti and Cuba from its Central Emergency Fund to help communities prepare for the storm and reduce its impact.
  • UN agencies, including the World Food Programme (WFP), are working to deliver food and logistics support to affected areas, with a focus on delivering 2,000 emergency food boxes that can support 6,000 people for a week.
  • UN Secretary-General António Guterres has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives and reiterated the organization's solidarity with the governments and communities affected by the hurricane.
  • The UN has pledged to work "hand in hand" with authorities and humanitarian partners to assess needs, assist those impacted, and prepare in areas that may yet face the storm's impact.
  • The storm is expected to bring "life-threatening" storm surges, heavy rain, and strong winds to The Bahamas and Bermuda.

Statistics:

  • Hurricane Melissa has sustained winds of up to 138 mph (222 km/h) and has dropped two-day rainfall totals of up to 145 millimetres.
  • The UN has planned to airlift 2,000 emergency food boxes from Barbados as soon as the airport reopens, which can support 6,000 people for a week.
  • The WFP is also loading a vessel in Barbados with essentials, including hygiene kits, shelter, and generators, to support the humanitarian effort in Jamaica.
  • At least 20 Haitians, including 10 children, have died due to river flooding as Melissa barrelled across the region.

Sources:

  • UN News (http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/)
  • United Nations (http://www.un.org/)
  • World Food Programme (http://www1.wfp.org/)