USAID to help countries hit by Hurricane Beryl

Caribbean nations hit by the horrendous and powerful force of Hurricane Beryl more than two weeks ago leaving behind severe wreckages, gloom, loss of lives and despair for thousands of people across the region, some are salvaging to rescue properties and to restore any feasible conditions that show any sign of hope.

The impact of the hurricane has been horrific for some on these islands and the United States through the United States Aid for International Development (USAID) in Kingston, Jamaica has added some support and will provide $4.5 million in immediate humanitarian assistance to help with the response efforts.

The US Ambassador to Jamaica, Nick Perry made this announcement to release the funds for these islands and stated that prior to hurricane Beryl making a landfall on these islands, USAID had pre-positioned relief supplies in the region, the report said. Also reported is that at least eight staff members and activated 25 disaster experts were on some of these islands to support response efforts.

In Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the US intends to provide a total of $2 million, $1million for each country to bolster relief efforts. The funding will provide shelter emergency relief items for several thousand people displaced due to storm damage. USAID also plans to provide market-based assistance to affected households to provide critical flexibility in their recovery efforts.

In Jamaica USAID intends to provide $2.5 million to repair homes, address water and sanitation needs, support logistical operations; and provide essential relief items, such as clean-up kits, hygiene kits, and tarps. USAID will also provide market-based assistance to help    affected residents purchase basic household commodities and other needed items.

USAID humanitarian teams have remained on the ground across the Caribbean to collaborate with partners and local government to assess storm damage and humanitarian needs, and to support the disaster response. In addition, USAID partners in the region are rapidly evaluating existing programs and pivoting where appropriate to support response efforts, the report stated.

This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an above-normal hurricane activity. USAID is working closely with the NOAA and the United Nations (UN), implementing partners, and local governments to support hurricane preparedness by co-developing emergency and evacuation plans; training national disaster response organizations and first responders; and educating vulnerable communities so they know what to do when the next storm hits.