Posted on 09 July 2024
As the Caribbean grapples with the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, the first major hurricane of the year, concerns mount over the safety and wellbeing of the region’s most vulnerable inhabitants. Making landfall on 1 July, the hurricane has unleashed a trail of destruction across several islands, including Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, and Saint Lucia. The ferocity of Beryl’s winds, coupled with torrential rains and flash flooding, has placed at least 3 million children at risk, according to UNICEF’s alarming estimates.
In response to the crisis, UNICEF and its partners have mobilised to provide urgent assistance to those affected. Pre-positioned life-saving supplies, including medical and educational kits, essential water supplies, and sanitation materials, are being rapidly deployed. High-quality tents stand ready to offer temporary shelter to families whose homes have been ravaged by the storm. Karin Hulshof, UNICEF’s Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, emphasises the critical nature of the situation, stating, “Investing in national capacities to prepare for and respond to climate-related emergencies and provide essential services for children is crucial.” As the second most disaster-prone region in the world, the Caribbean’s resilience is once again being tested, highlighting the urgent need for sustained support and preparedness to shield its youngest generation from the escalating threats of climate change.
Source: UNICEF