United Nations, Nov 12: Two weeks after Hurricane Melissa devastated parts of the Caribbean, the United Nations and its partners continue to provide vital assistance to government led humanitarian operations across the region, a UN spokesperson said.
According to Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary General, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that the humanitarian situation remains critical, particularly in Cuba, Jamaica, and Haiti.
In Cuba, the number of affected health facilities has risen from 460 to over 600, while damaged homes have increased from 60,000 to 90,000. The UN system in Cuba is actively supporting national response efforts the World Food Programme (WFP) has assisted around 140,000 people in shelters and supported community kitchens, while the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) is distributing agricultural tools and livestock feed to restore livelihoods. The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) is supplying materials for disease control, and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) is strengthening sexual and reproductive health services through the distribution of medical supplies.
In Jamaica, assessments and relief operations are ongoing, with accessibility improving significantly — only two communities remain cut off, compared to 27 last week. The WFP has supported 9,000 people in the parishes of Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth, and plans to extend cash assistance to up to 90,000 households, Haq said.
In Haiti, where over 40 people lost their lives and several regions suffered severe destruction, UNICEF and partners have distributed hygiene kits nationwide and restored power to vaccine cold chains. The UNESCO and partners are offering psychosocial support in schools, while IOM, UNICEF, and others have provided tarpaulins and emergency supplies.
Additionally, the WFP began delivering 15-day food rations on Tuesday to heavily affected areas in southern Haiti, following government-led identification of the most vulnerable populations.
The UN spokesperson reaffirmed that the organisation remains committed to supporting recovery and relief efforts across the Caribbean as countries work to rebuild critical infrastructure and restore essential services.