UN Steps Up Aid as Hurricane Melissa Devastates Caribbean

Jamaicans now face a massive clear up following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

As the Caribbean reels from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, UN humanitarian agencies are intensifying efforts to deliver relief to thousands of affected people.

Torrential rain, storm surges, and landslides caused by the hurricane have left widespread destruction across the region, flattening homes, washing away roads and bridges, and cutting off power, internet, and other telecommunications in many areas.

The UN humanitarian affairs office (OCHA) said that aid supplies are en route and emergency teams are supporting government-led responses in Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti.

Jamaica: Food support

In Jamaica, the World Food Programme (WFP) has assisted the government with logistics, communications, and cash-based aid, delivering 5,000 food kits — enough to feed 15,000 people for a week.

The situation in the southern part of the country remains “apocalyptic,” with homes submerged, roads blocked, and people sleeping in the streets, said Brian Bogart, WFP Country Director.

Despite the devastation, Mr. Bogart noted that earlier preparedness efforts had helped accelerate the response, but stressed that Jamaica’s resilience “must now be supported.”

The UN is deploying emergency medical teams, supporting water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives, providing psychological care, and assisting with disease surveillance.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is preparing to send 5.5 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including health and trauma kits, medical backpacks, tents, water supplies, mosquito nets, and personal protective equipment.

More than 284,000 Jamaican children are now in urgent need of support in health, education, nutrition, and protection, according to UNICEF’s local team.

“Yesterday, we were on our way to Black River in St. Elizabeth, one of the hardest-hit areas, but the roads were blocked with fallen trees and power lines, preventing us from reaching the most affected communities,” said Olga Isaza, UNICEF’s top official in Jamaica.

The agency is working swiftly with the government and partners to assess needs and deliver pre-positioned supplies, including food, clean water, medicines, and emergency hygiene kits. Additional humanitarian aid is ready to be airlifted.

Cuba: Health assistance

Meanwhile, from its Regional Strategic Stockpile in Panama, PAHO has dispatched 2.6 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Cuba.

The shipment includes emergency kits containing medicines and surgical supplies sufficient to treat 5,000 people for three months. It also contains chlorine tablets to purify millions of litres of water, along with essential medical and shelter items.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said that in eastern Cuba, “preliminary assessments indicate severe damage across Santiago, Holguín, Granma, and Guantánamo, including to homes, roads, and health facilities.” He added that “hundreds of communities remain isolated, and access continues to be hampered by damaged road, rail, and air transport infrastructure.”

Once ground communications are restored, supplies will be delivered to the most affected areas in eastern Cuba.

Mr. Dujarric added that the UN, “along with our partners, is supporting national authorities with assessments and early recovery planning.”