Hurricane Beryl Devastates Carriacou: UN and International Aid Rushing In

The island of Carriacou in Grenada has been severely impacted by Hurricane Beryl, which made landfall on July 1. Simon Springett, UN Resident Coordinator in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, described the island as ‘flattened’ and reported that 100% of the population is affected.

Hurricane Beryl, the strongest hurricane to form in June in the Atlantic Ocean, reached Category 5 status with winds up to 240 km/h (150 mph). It has since made landfall in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and is expected to reach southern Texas, USA.

Springett highlighted the logistical challenges in Carriacou, including impassable roads and disrupted communications. Despite these difficulties, international aid is arriving, with support from countries like France, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Dennis Zulu, the Resident Coordinator for Jamaica and the Bahamas, emphasized the coordinated international response. The UN is working with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to ensure effective aid distribution. In Jamaica, the damage is significant, especially in rural areas, and the government has implemented a response plan with UN support.

UNICEF reported that over 650,000 people, including 150,000 children, in Barbados, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Tobago were in the hurricane’s path. Many have lost their homes and are in temporary shelters. UNICEF had pre-positioned supplies and is mobilizing additional resources for the response.