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Stamford, Conn. – July 2, 2024 – Americares is preparing to deploy a response team from the United States to Jamaica as Hurricane Beryl heads toward the island nation as a Category 4 storm with sustained winds up to 155 mph.
The health-focused relief and development organization is sending a team of emergency response experts that’s expected to be on the ground later this week to support the health needs of survivors throughout the region. Americares is focused on restoring health services for children and adults affected by the storm, including those displaced.
Hurricane Beryl made landfall Monday on Carriacou Island off the coast of Grenada as a Category 4 storm with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. So far, the storm has affected an estimated 200,000 people in its path and has forced thousands from their homes. More than 100 shelters are currently open—40 in Grenada and 68 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines—according to International Federation of the Red Cross. Several smaller islands have also been impacted.
A psychiatric hospital in Grenada and a laboratory in St. Vincent and the Grenadines were among the facilities damaged, according to the Pan American Health Organization, and hospital patients were evacuated.
“A hurricane of this magnitude across multiple islands presents major logistical challenges,” said Americares Director of International Emergency Response Cora Nally. “It’s going to take a lot of coordination between relief organizations and local partners and governments to ensure aid reaches those most in need. Based on our past experience with similar storms, we can anticipate survivors will need assistance with mental health support and replacing medications lost in the storm.”
On Monday, as the storm regained strength, Americares reached out to partner organizations in Jamaica, St. Lucia and Dominica to offer assistance. Americares is prepared to deliver medicine and relief supplies in affected communities as well as provide emergency funding to restore health services.
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.
Donations to Americares Worldwide Disaster Relief Fund will support the organization’s response to this emergency.