In a show of solidarity with countries ravaged by Hurricane Beryl, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres has released $4 million from the Organization’s emergency response fund to assist in recovery efforts.
Hurricane Beryl, now recognized as the most powerful June hurricane in Atlantic history, unleashed widespread devastation across Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Jamaica. The storm, which started as a tropical depression, rapidly intensified into a Category 4 hurricane and briefly reached Category 5 status with winds peaking at 150 mph (240 km/h).
The hurricane claimed at least 12 lives across several Caribbean countries last week, and caused numerous injuries, displaced thousands, forcing them into emergency shelters.
Read more: Hurricane Beryl’s death toll in Jamaica climbs to three
Expressing his profound concern over the disaster’s impact, Secretary-General Guterres reiterated his support for the affected nations.
“The Secretary-General, in coordination with the affected nations, is considering launching an appeal to address humanitarian needs arising from the impact of Hurricane Beryl,” his Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said in a statement issued.
The allocated $4 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund will be directed to Grenada, Jamaica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, providing crucial aid in these severely impacted regions.
UN humanitarian officials in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and in Grenada are working with local officials, assisting damage assessment and response.
Teams from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) are also in Barbados, supporting efforts in the country and the eastern Caribbean, Mr. Dujarric said during a press briefing at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Teams are also heading to Belize and Jamaica, he added.
