UN Secretary-General Condemns Devastation Caused by Hurricane Melissa

The United Nations has expressed solidarity with Governments and people affected by Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded, which has unleashed widespread devastation across the Caribbean. The hurricane made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, bringing catastrophic rain and wind, and has also triggered flooding in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The UN has offered its full support to countries across the region, with UN teams prepositioned on the ground to assess needs, assist those impacted, and prepare for potential further impacts.

Key Takeaways:

• The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has expressed his grave concern and solidarity with the Governments and people affected by Hurricane Melissa.
• The hurricane made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, bringing catastrophic rain and wind, and has also triggered flooding in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
• 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 working 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 UN has prepositioned staff on the ground in affected regions, with additional staff ready to deploy at short notice.
• The UN will explore launching appeals to respond to the humanitarian needs triggered by Hurricane Melissa in close coordination with affected nations.

Statistics:

• $4 million allocated by the UN from its Central Emergency Response Fund for Haiti and Cuba.
• 4 million people affected by the hurricane (as reported by the UN).
• 2 countries (Jamaica and the Dominican Republic) where the hurricane made landfall.
• 3 countries (Cuba, Haiti, and the Bahamas) where the hurricane triggered flooding.
• 4 million dollars allocated by the UN from its Central Emergency Response Fund have been allocated for the preparation and response efforts.

Sources:

• The Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres