“Destructive winds, dangerous storm surges and catastrophic rainfall” are expected to hit the region, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric warned.
Continuing to work closely with resident coordinators and UN country teams, the UN is expected to deploy additional staff to Cuba and Jamaica this week, as part of broader efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness and coordinate response operations on the ground.
In an article on OCHA said preparations had been strengthened in Cuba, including:
- More than 100 tonnes of rice for the east of the country
- Hygiene kits for 6,500 people
- Fuel Bonds
- Ongoing prevention messages
In addition, the UN allocated approximately $4 million for Cuba. Central Emergency Response Fund (DEER) before the storm.
Additionally, special attention is given to Haiti, a country already struggling with gang violence, disease and gender-based violence. OCHA and its partners are helping national authorities strengthen preparedness and mitigate the potential impacts of the hurricane.
The country’s authorities said priority needs included emergency shelter, essential household items, hygiene and cleaning kits, clean water and additional logistical support to reach isolated areas.
A neighborhood in Cap-Haitien, in the north of Haiti, is flooded following heavy rains. (deposit)
Coordinated efforts
The World Food Program is providing logistical support, generators and food aid to families in Jamaica – which could experience the most powerful storm on record – while the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has pre-positioned water, sanitation and child protection supplies.
At the same time, the Pan American Health Organization is strengthening its health emergency operations, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is preparing shelter support, and other UN partners are mobilizing for relief operations.
“Latin America and the Caribbean is the second most disaster-prone region in the world and children are among the most at risk. » according to UNICEF.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
