Americares has deployed an emergency response team from the United States to Jamaica to support regional relief efforts for Hurricane Beryl, which has carved a path of destruction throughout the Caribbean, tearing roofs off homes and health facilities and leaving hundreds of thousands without power. At least eight deaths had been reported as of July 4.
Americares emergency response experts are focused on restoring health services for children and adults affected by the storm, including those displaced. The team is prepared to deliver essential medicines, relief supplies and emergency funding to restore vital health services. Americares is coordinating with local governments, United Nations agencies and international relief organizations to bring aid to the hardest hit communities.
“The health of survivors is our No.1 concern,” says Americares Director of International Emergency Response Cora Nally. “People have lost everything and will need medicine, medical and relief supplies and support for their mental health.”
Health workers are among the survivors whose homes are severely damaged, according to the Pan American Health Organization.
After devasting the Windward Islands, Hurricane Beryl hit Jamaica on July 4 as a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 155 mph. Jamaica’s prime minister has issued a disaster declaration; more than 400,000 people lost power in the storm.
Hurricane Beryl damaged or destroyed 98 percent of buildings on Granada’s Carriacou, Petite Martinque and Union islands, including 11 health facilities according to the Pan American Health Organization. Carriacou’s Princess Royal Hospital sustained damage to more than 75 percent of its roof. A psychiatric hospital in Grenada and a laboratory in St. Vincent and the Grenadines were also reported damaged.
“A hurricane of this magnitude across multiple islands presents major logistical challenges,” said Nally. “It will require coordination between relief organizations and local partners and governments to ensure aid reaches those most in need.”
Beryl is widely reported to be the earliest Category 5 storm on record.
Americares is continuing to monitor Hurricane Beryl as it tracks toward southern Texas, where it is expected to make landfall as a Category 1 hurricane. Americares is prepared to offer support, if needed.
Over the years Americares has responded to many major hurricanes in the Caribbean including Hurricane Dorian in 2019, Hurricane Maria in 2017 and Hurricane Matthew in 2016.
Americares responds to more than 30 natural disasters and humanitarian crises worldwide each year, establishes long-term recovery projects and brings disaster preparedness programs to communities vulnerable to disasters. Since its founding 45 years ago, Americares has provided $22 billion in aid to 164 countries.