UN Ramps Up Aid After Hurricane Melissa Devastates Caribbean

Photos from UNICEF show the impact of destruction in Jamaica, with neighborhoods being submerged in water and communities lacking access to a host of basic services.

The United Nations estimates that around six million people across the region have been affected. UNICEF reports that approximately 1.6 million children are at heightened risk due to flooding, landslides and regional instability.

As of 4 November, at least 84 deaths have been recorded—43 in Haiti and 35 in Jamaica. The coastal town of Black River in Jamaica suffered particularly severe damage, with up to 90 per cent of homes losing their roofs. Other areas reported collapsed buildings, damaged schools and widespread flooding.

Roberto Benes, UNICEF Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, stressed the importance of preparedness and rapid response to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children. “Strengthening national capacities to anticipate and respond to climate-related emergencies is essential to protecting those who need it most,” he said.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), UN teams are coordinating closely with national authorities in Jamaica to support emergency operations, restore essential services and reopen schools and hospitals in the hardest-hit communities.

On 3 November, the World Food Programme (WFP) launched an emergency response for affected areas in Jamaica. More than 1,500 people have already received food parcels, with additional shipments arriving. WFP plans to assist up to 200,000 people and later shift to cash assistance as markets recover, supporting early recovery and local economies.

In Cuba, UN agencies mobilized before landfall, using USD 4 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to pre-position supplies. The Cuban Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies issued more than 3.5 million early-warning messages and are providing psychosocial support.

WFP has delivered food assistance to 180,000 people in protection centers and plans to support 900,000 people for at least three months. The UN in Cuba has finalized a national response plan, appealing for USD 74 million to assist more than one million people over the next year.

Meanwhile, UNICEF has distributed water purification and hygiene kits, UNDP has delivered emergency shelter materials, and UNFPA is providing health and dignity kits to affected families.

Despite these efforts, humanitarian agencies warn that needs remain urgent and call for continued international support and funding.

“In times like this, international solidarity isn’t just a principle – it’s a lifeline,” said Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs. “Local leadership, global cooperation and early action are already saving lives across the region.”