Hurricane Melissa could affect Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Hurricane Melissa hits Caribbean: 1.6 million children at risk Climate and Environment
The Caribbean region is bracing for the impact of powerful Hurricane Melissa, which has already reached Category 4 and is forecast to strengthen to Category 5. The disaster brings with it torrential rains, hurricane winds and the threat of large-scale destruction. Children are especially vulnerable: UNICEF estimates that at least 1.6 million minors are at risk.
The hurricane is moving slowly across the Caribbean Sea, with impacts likely to affect Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Flooding, landslides and disruptions to critical infrastructure are expected. “Hurricane preparation efforts are vital to minimizing damage and saving lives. Small island states are particularly at risk from extreme climate events,” said Roberto Benes, UNICEF Director for Latin America and the Caribbean.
Emergency and Humanitarian Response
UN agencies and humanitarian partners have pre-stocked emergency supplies such as hygiene kits, water purifiers, medical kits and cash. 450 tons of food prepared in Haiti; 9,500 families in the south of the country have already received cash assistance. Hygiene and medical kits have been prepared, as well as shelters for tens of thousands of families. In Jamaica, the Red Cross and local authorities have set up temporary accommodation centers and prepared supplies for 165 thousand people.
The first consequences and alarming forecasts
Heavy rains and gusty winds have already been recorded in a number of countries in the region. Forecasters warn that rainfall levels could exceed those of Hurricane Beryl, which hit the region 16 months ago and caused severe damage. Low-lying and coastal areas are particularly at risk. In mountainous areas there is a high risk of landslides. Disturbances in the operation of ports, airports and other infrastructure may complicate rescue operations. There are already reports of casualties. In Haiti, a landslide in western Port-au-Prince killed three people and left another seriously injured. A death was also recorded in the Dominican Republic.
The threat has become the “norm”
According to UNICEF, over the past decade, natural disasters have affected about 11 million people annually in Latin America and the Caribbean, including almost four million children. Amid the looming threat, authorities are urging residents to follow safety instructions, evacuate dangerous areas and seek shelter. The UN and the organization’s humanitarian partners continue to coordinate efforts with national governments, focusing on the protection of children and the most vulnerable populations.