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Caribbean Prepares for Hurricane Melissa’s Destructive Impact
Urban areas of Haiti have been flooded following torrential rains.
Millions of people across the Caribbean are bracing for the impact of Hurricane Melissa, which reached Category 5 status on Monday — the most powerful on the scale, defined by sustained winds of at least 157 mph (252 km/h).
“Destructive winds, dangerous storm surge, and catastrophic rainfall” are expected to hit the region, warned UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
The UN is working closely with Resident Coordinators and UN Country Teams and plans to deploy additional staff to Cuba and Jamaica this week, as part of broader efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness and coordinate response operations.
In a post on X, OCHA said preparations in Cuba had been strengthened, including:
More than 100 tons of rice for the eastern part of the country
Hygiene kits for 6,500 people
Fuel bonds
Ongoing prevention messages
In addition, the UN has allocated around $4 million for Cuba from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) ahead of the storm.
Special focus is also being placed on Haiti, a nation already grappling with gang violence, disease, and gender-based violence. OCHA and its partners are assisting national authorities in strengthening preparedness and mitigating the hurricane’s potential impacts.
Authorities reported priority needs including emergency shelter, essential household items, hygiene and cleaning kits, safe water, and additional logistical support to reach isolated areas.
Coordinated Efforts
The World Food Programme is providing logistical support, generators, and food assistance to families in Jamaica, which could experience its most powerful storm on record.
UNICEF has pre-positioned water, sanitation, and child protection supplies. Meanwhile, the Pan American Health Organization is reinforcing health emergency operations, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is preparing shelter support, and other UN partners are mobilising for relief operations.