International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - IFRC’s Post

#Beryl is the strongest and most anticipated hurricane ever recorded in June. At one point, it reached Category 5 as it passed through the Caribbean. Even as a Category 4, it has affected thousands of people in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Barbados, Dominica, Martinique, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago. Media reports indicate seven deaths as of July 4th and several people missing. The Copernicus Emergency Management Service has produced three maps showing significant damage to the islands' infrastructure. Power outages and lack of drinking water are also reported. Union Island, part of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, suffered almost total devastation. Beryl is forecasted to pass south of the Cayman Islands on July 4th as a Category 2 hurricane and make landfall on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico on July 5th. #CADENAInternacional, whose mission is to provide hand in hand aid to those in need, is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to take action. If you, your company, or organization are interested in helping, please contact alianzas@cadena.ngo. Your donation will make a significant difference in our mission to heal the world. Sources: GDACS, Relief Web #HurricaneBeryl #DonateWithCause #HumanitarianAid #InternationalHumanitarianAid

Partnerships are key!

All things about Hurricane Beryl have had me in deep thought for much of this week, from how quickly it developed, to how can any one island nation truly prepare for a cyclone of this size that spans several countries as Beryl did? More times than not, there is not a place on the island where one is completely unaffected by the impact, so we all hunker down and hope for the best. However, each time the Caribbean faces devastation the resilience and camaraderie amongst our people are exemplified, as we often look beyond our individual needs to assist those with greater losses. Individually, our voices and plight can easily be drowned out by all the other devastating events occurring worldwide, but it's for this reason, I am grateful for regional institutions that advocate for us on the world stage and coordinate our efforts like CARICOM: Caribbean Community , Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and many other agencies. Let's not allow the challenging days ahead for the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Jamaica and the other countries impacted by Hurricane Beryl to be forgotten when the international news cycle move on. We would be rebuilding for years to come. Vincentians and other Caribbean nationals near and far let's do our best to support the efforts at home in whatever way we can. Let's continue to Rally round the West Indies. Link to the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines donation website https://lnkd.in/ea_rgAWz Link to CDEMA's comprehensive reporting of the response efforts thus far https://lnkd.in/e23R9gzm Feel free to repost this and to share links to aid efforts of other affected countries in the comments section below. #HurrricaneBeryl #SVG #Caribbean #2024AtlanticHurricaneSeason

Hurricane Beryl has caused unprecedented devastation across the Caribbean, making its destructive path through Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Dominica, Barbados, and Jamaica. Local Red Cross teams are already on the ground providing support despite significant challenges in accessing the affected areas. The IFRC calls on governments, donors and stakeholders to support its response and early action efforts as humanitarian needs continue to grow and the storm season is forecast to be one of the most active on record. https://bit.ly/4d65diX

In the wake of Hurricane Beryl, my thoughts are with the people of the Grenadines. Rebuilding will undoubtedly be a long and challenging process. The Prime Minister's mention of the GRENLEC insurance/restoration fund is a positive step. GRENLEC stashed away 5% of its pretax profits as insurance. However, it raises a crucial point: financial preparedness for both businesses and individuals. The question of financial literacy is critical. Were small businesses and residents adequately prepared for this disaster? Did they have insurance, emergency funds, and recovery plans in place? Unfortunately, it's likely that many lacked these crucial safeguards. As we rebuild, let's prioritize financial resilience alongside climate resilience. A financially literate Caribbean population is essential for weathering future storms and ensuring a faster and stronger recovery.

As climate change roars, all Caribbean nations must act with haste and review their building codes, with emphasis of concrete roofing. Further, ensure that utility companies set aside a percentage of their annual earnings; not necessarily as self-insurance but as an emergency fund to buffer their insurance coverages, especially in times of disaster. As the honorable Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell pointed out, underground cabling indeed a tumultuous task, that comes at a great expense, however, if governments consider making such an investment, the Return on Investment later could be beneficial for future generations.

As Haiti stares down an “extraordinary” 2024 hurricane season, a number of crises have left the nation dangerously unprepared. The upcoming storms threaten further devastation for Haitians still reeling from previous natural disasters, including the devastating 2010 quake that levelled Port-au-Prince and killed around 200,000 people. But most Haitians are so focused on basic day-to-day survival that they’re unable to prepare for possible storms. Read the story by joseph guyler delva and Anastasia Moloney: https://lnkd.in/eqFaTXpT

In response to Hurricane Idalia, the state has activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey to help state and federal officials determine the need for disaster assistance and expedite recovery resources. We encourage small businesses impacted by the storm to complete the survey: https://hubs.la/Q020NtRh0

In response to Hurricane Idalia, the state has activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey to help state and federal officials determine the need for disaster assistance and expedite recovery resources. We encourage small businesses impacted by the storm to complete the survey: https://hubs.la/Q020NvWs0

If you experienced damage from Hurricane Beryl, make sure you self-report it at damage.la.gov.   Reporting damage to your home can help parish, state and federal authorities better understand the location and severity of damage caused by significant weather events. This information can help expedite the Individual Assistance process following major disasters and emergencies.   Take a few minutes to submit your information at damage.la.gov.