Kishan Khoday, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), told journalists at UN headquarters in New York by video conference that initial estimates of damage amounted to 30 percent of gross domestic product: “a figure that is expected to increase.”
The UNDP estimates that almost five million tonnes of debris were generated in western Jamaica following last week’s devastating Category 5 storm, the equivalent of around 500,000 standard trucks.
Number of deaths and destruction
Additionally, authorities confirmed 32 deaths, while nearly 36,000 people need emergency food aid and more than 100,000 housing structures have been affectedsaid UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq.
At least 30 communities are still isolated while electricity, telecommunications and even radio signals remain seriously disrupted in some parishes.
Mr. Khoday told the story of a man he met, Keith, of New Hope, in western Jamaica, who sought shelter in a nearby structure when Melissa made landfall, kneeling behind plywood for hours as the storm raged.
When he emerged, he found his home, his livelihood and part of his community in ruins. His experience highlights the harsh realities of the climate emergency, the senior UNDP official said – but also speaks to the resilience of Jamaicans as they work towards recovery and reconstruction.
UN mobilizes aid
More than 60 different organizations have joined the 16-member UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination Team – part of the UN Aid Coordination Office. OCHA – as the humanitarian operation continues under the direction of the Jamaican authorities.
To support response and recovery efforts, UNDP has allocated an initial amount of $400,000 to assist with baseline assessment work and provide early support to national partners.
Meanwhile, the United Nations World Food Program (PAM) is flying food from Barbados to support more than 6,000 households for a week, according to the UN.
Communities still isolated
In Cuba – although it was also devastated, like Haiti, by the hurricane – around 120,000 people remain in shelters due to ongoing flooding, overflowing rivers and landslides.
The UN reports that 29 communities remain isolated, with significant damage to housing, health facilities and education centers.
More than 45,000 housing structures, nearly 500 health facilities and more than 1,500 educational centers were also damaged, Haq said.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
