Hurricane Beryl Relief
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and its local partners in the Caribbean are distributing emergency supplies in communities hit by Hurricane Beryl, the first Category 4 storm to ever form in the Atlantic Ocean in the month of June.
The storm initially made landfall over the island of Carriacou in Grenada and left a path of destruction through Barbados, St. Vincent and The Grenadines, Grenada and Jamaica. At least 10 people were killed and thousands more were forced to seek refuge from storm surges and strong winds.
“So many houses across the region have been destroyed or damaged,” said Cristopher Lopez, a technical advisor on CRS’ Humanitarian Response Department. “The rains and winds have ripped off roofs, cars are under water and many communities have lost power because of all the fallen trees. That has been no impediment for the youth volunteers, who have been trained in first aid and search and rescue, to help us and our partners lead this response.”
In Grenada, which suffered some of the heaviest damage, an estimated 1,600 people are in shelters. That number that is expected to double, given that 95% of buildings have been damaged or destroyed. Many households in Jamaica have lost roofs and could face mosquito infestations due to stagnant water.
Across affected areas, homes and infrastructure suffered severe damage from heavy rains, winds, flooding and landslides. Fallen trees have cut power lines. The most affected communities are those in low-lying areas – due to the flash floods and high swells – as well as those in mountainous areas where strong winds caused major damage.
Families urgently need emergency shelter, food, clean water and hygiene supplies to prevent water-borne illnesses like cholera. Those who have lost their homes and other assets such as businesses will need safety and shelter for the short term and support to rebuild and recover.
CRS is working with partners to provide immediate assistance, with plans to help families and communities in their longer-term rebuilding and recovery. With CRS support, Caritas Grenada is assisting 400 families (about 1,600 people) with shelter, supplies and WASH kits, while Caritas Antilles is delivering water and shelter supplies in St. Vincent and The Grenadines.
As needs become clearer, CRS and partners will deliver specific support, focusing on shelter supplies, food and cash assistance, hygiene kits and sanitation supplies, and long-term support for home repairs and rebuilding and for infrastructure restoration.
If you would like to assist CRS in its work to help the victims of Hurricane Beryl, donations may be made here.
