Jamaica: IFRC launches emergency appeal in response to Hurricane Melissa • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Hurricane Melissa
• Catastrophic Storm
• Destruction and Damage Assessment
• Community Recovery
• Humanitarian Aid
• Anticipatory Action and Early Warning Systems
• Evacuation and Shelters
• Infrastructure Damage (hospitals, schools, bridges, roads)
• Lifesaving Items (water, food, hygiene kits, tarpaulins, blankets)
• Mental and Psychological Support (Psychological First Aid)
• Rebuilding and Recovery Phase
• International Solidarity
• Emergency Appeals
• Prepositioning Stocks
• Volunteer Training

Hurricane Melissa: Aftermath and Recovery in the Northern Caribbean

This report details the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa on communities across the northern Caribbean, focusing on Jamaica and Cuba, and outlines the ongoing recovery efforts. The storm, described as the biggest to hit Jamaica since records began and the strongest to hit the planet this year, has caused widespread destruction, leaving many homes damaged or destroyed and critical infrastructure compromised.

Impact and Devastation

• Jamaica:

  • The Black River District experienced severe damage, with the majority of home roofs ripped off by winds reaching up to 300 km/hour.
  • In Montego Bay, 90% of roofs in the coastal community of Black River were destroyed, with few homes left standing in Montego Bay itself.
  • An estimated 400,000 people were affected across Jamaica.
  • Over 25,000 individuals were housed in shelters in western Jamaica.
  • 72% of the island remained without power, and only a third of mobile phone networks were operational.
  • Residents described the emotional toll, with one individual stating, "Wish I could explain the pain. The pain, don't know, but it just like your heart stomach just burst."
  • The hurricane forced difficult choices, with one resident contemplating the unthinkable: "If we had stayed, we'd have died because I have one, two, three, and the baby and their little girl. Thinking about it, had to choose one would be nice."
  • Alfred Hines, a 77-year-old resident, described his escape from rising waters, stating, "At one stage I see the water at no waste and about 10 minutes time I see it around me neck here and I make my ex."

• Cuba:

  • The city of Santiago de Cuba was directly in the hurricane's path.
  • Although reduced to Category 3 by the time it reached Cuba, the storm still caused widespread damage as it moved across the island.

• General Impact:

  • The storm caused significant damage to infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, bridges, and roads.
  • The destruction of homes and livelihoods has been described as catastrophic, with rebuilding expected to take months, if not years.
  • The report notes that some communities were still recovering from Hurricane Maria less than two years prior, making them particularly vulnerable.

Humanitarian Response and Recovery Efforts

• Humanitarian Aid:

  • The UK government pledged approximately €3 million euros in aid for Jamaica.
  • Humanitarian aid is being mobilized, with cargos ready to be sent from Panama to Jamaica once the airport reopens.

• Role of the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC):

  • Thomas Odell Longa from the IFRC highlighted the critical role of anticipatory action and early warning systems in saving lives.
  • The IFRC, in collaboration with local authorities and other organizations, successfully evacuated people to safety.
  • The IFRC prepositioned stocks in the weeks and months leading up to the hurricane.
  • Over 400 volunteers were trained to assist communities before, during, and after the storm.
  • The IFRC launched a 19 million Swiss Franc emergency appeal to assist 10,000 people in Jamaica. Further appeals are planned for Cuba and other affected countries.
  • The IFRC emphasizes that recovery is a "team effort" requiring the involvement of governments and international organizations.
  • The rebuilding process is viewed as a "marathon, not a sprint."

• Immediate Needs and Recovery Phases:

  • Life-saving items are the immediate priority, including clean water, food, hygiene kits, tarpaulins, and blankets.
  • Mental and psychological support is crucial from the outset, with volunteers and staff trained in Psychological First Aid.
  • The recovery phase needs to begin immediately after the emergency phase, focusing on creating safer spaces and replenishing prepositioned stocks.
  • The IFRC stresses the importance of preparing communities for future hurricanes, acknowledging that such events are likely to recur.

Key Arguments and Perspectives

• Effectiveness of Preparedness: The IFRC strongly advocates for the effectiveness of anticipatory action and early warning systems, citing them as key factors in minimizing casualties.
• Long-term Recovery Needs: The report emphasizes that the impact of such a catastrophic storm extends far beyond the immediate aftermath, requiring sustained international support for long-term rebuilding and livelihood restoration.
• Vulnerability of Affected Regions: The repeated impact of hurricanes on the Caribbean highlights the region's vulnerability and the need for ongoing resilience-building efforts.
• Collaborative Approach: The consensus is that effective disaster response and recovery necessitate a coordinated effort involving governments, international organizations, and local communities.

Data and Statistics

• Winds up to 300 km/hour.
• 90% of roofs destroyed in Black River District.
• Estimated 400,000 people affected in Jamaica.
• Over 25,000 people in shelters in western Jamaica.
• 72% of Jamaica without power.
• One-third of mobile phone networks back online.
• UK government pledge of €3 million euros.
• IFRC emergency appeal of 19 million Swiss Francs for 10,000 people in Jamaica.
• Reports of a death toll as high as 52.

Conclusion

Hurricane Melissa has inflicted immense damage across the northern Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica and Cuba. While the immediate response has focused on providing life-saving aid and psychological support, the long-term recovery and rebuilding process will be a significant undertaking requiring sustained international solidarity and a collaborative approach. The effectiveness of early warning systems and preparedness measures has been underscored, but the recurring nature of such disasters necessitates a continued focus on building resilient communities.