Currently a Category 4 storm and moving slowly across the Caribbean Sea, Melissa is expected to strengthen to Category 5, with sustained winds of at least 157 mph (about 252 kmh).
Countries in the region, including Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba and the Dominican Republic, are expected to experience several days of intense weather, with fears infrastructure could be overwhelmed and essential services disrupted.
“All hurricane preparedness efforts are essential to mitigate damage and loss of life in the most vulnerable communities.especially in regions like the Caribbean. Small islands still face increased vulnerability to extreme weather events,” said Roberto Benes, director for Latin America and the Caribbean at the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
“UNICEF helps strengthen national capacities to anticipate and respond to climate-related emergencies and provide essential services to children. This is fundamental to protecting those who need it most.»
Humanitarian preparedness and response
United Nations agencies and their partners have prepositioned rescue suppliesincluding hygiene materials, water purifiers, medical kits and cash transfers to support vulnerable families.
In Haiti, 450 tonnes of food were pre-positioned and cash transfers were provided to 9,500 households in the south to mitigate the impact of the storm. Around 3,400 hygiene kits, non-food items and shelter for 44,000 households as well as medical kits for 11,000 people have also been positioned.
In Jamaica, the Red Cross and local authorities mobilized early, preparing emergency shelters and stockpiling relief items for some 165,000 people in high-risk parishes, including Saint Elizabeth, Clarendon, Saint Catherine, Kingston, Saint Thomas and Portland.
Communities prepare for impact
Communities are already experiencing heavy rain and gusty winds, and forecasters warn that flooding could exceed that caused by Hurricane Beryl 16 months ago, which caused significant financial and infrastructural damage.
Flooding is expected to be severe in low-lying, coastal and informal settlements, with heavy rain likely to trigger landslides in mountainous areas. Ports, airports and key infrastructure could also be disrupted, complicating emergency responses.
Deaths and injuries were also reported. In Haiti, three people were killed and one seriously injured in a landslide in the western part of the capital Port-au-Prince. One death was also reported in the Dominican Republic.
Growing risks for the Caribbean
Over the past decade, approximately 11 million people, including nearly four million children, have been directly affected by disasters in Latin America and the Caribbean each year, according to UNICEF.
As the storm approaches, national authorities are urging communities to follow safety guidelines, evacuate vulnerable areas and seek shelter.
UN agencies continue to coordinate with governments and partners, with a focus on protecting children and the most vulnerable populations.
