In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, which caused widespread devastation across Grenada, Jamaica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the United States, through USAID, plans to provide $4.5 million in immediate humanitarian assistance to aid response efforts. We stand with these communities impacted and will continue to help them in this time of need.
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.
In Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, USAID intends to provide a total of $2 million, $1 million for each country, to bolster relief efforts. This funding will provide shelter and 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.
Prior to Hurricane Beryl making landfall in the Caribbean, USAID pre-positioned relief supplies in the region, deployed eight staff, and activated 25 disaster experts in seven countries to support response efforts.
USAID humanitarian teams remain on the ground across the Caribbean to work with partners and local governments 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.
This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an above-normal hurricane activity. USAID is working closely with the NOAA, the 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.
