In the wake of the devastating Hurricane Beryl, the government of Grenada has issued an urgent appeal for volunteers, both locally and internationally, to assist with relief efforts across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique.
Hurricane Beryl made landfall as a Category 4 storm over Grenada’s Carriacou Island on July 1, with sustained winds up to 150 miles per hour, heavy rainfall, and life-threatening storm surge impacting Carriacou and other Windward Islands, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Preliminary damage assessments from Grenada’s National Disaster Management Agency, Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders indicate the storm damaged or destroyed approximately 98 percent of structures on Grenada’s Carriacou and Petit Martinique islands, including the roof of Carriacou’s Princess Royal Hospital. Additionally, Mount Gay Psychiatric Hospital on Grenada’s main island sustained damage.
“We are talking hundreds of millions of dollars in losses and hundreds of millions of dollars to rebuild,” Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell stated during a briefing on Tuesday, according to Reuters.
The government emphasizes that volunteer support is essential for the nation’s recovery and rebuilding process. They released the following statement:
Local Volunteers:
“We call upon our local citizens to join hands in this time of need. Your familiarity with the local terrain and community will be a significant asset in our relief operations. To register as a local volunteer, please use the following link: Local Volunteer Registration Form.”
International Volunteers:
“We also welcome the support of international volunteers who wish to contribute to our relief efforts. To register, please use the following link: International Volunteers Registration Form.”
The impact of Hurricane Beryl has been profound, affecting thousands of lives and causing extensive damage to infrastructure. The government believes that the collective efforts of volunteers will be pivotal in accelerating the recovery process and restoring normalcy to the lives of those affected.
The Government of Grenada extends its gratitude to all volunteers for their willingness to support the nation during this challenging time. They believe that together, everyone can make a significant difference and help rebuild stronger and more resilient communities.
Read: Caribbean face billions in damage in Hurricane Beryl’s aftermath
