How is the UN Supporting Humanitarian Efforts in the Caribbean After Hurricane Melissa?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The humanitarian crisis in the Caribbean continues to unfold two weeks after Hurricane Melissa's landfall. The UN and its partners are providing vital support to affected nations like Cuba, Jamaica, and Haiti. Discover how these efforts are making a difference in the lives of thousands as recovery operations progress.
Key Takeaways
- UN and partners are actively supporting recovery efforts in the Caribbean.
- In Cuba, health facilities and homes have been severely impacted.
- Jamaica's relief operations are progressing, with aid reaching thousands.
- Haiti is receiving vital support from UNICEF and other organizations.
- Collaboration is key to rebuilding affected communities.
United Nations, Nov 12 (NationPress) Two weeks after Hurricane Melissa made its initial landfall in the Caribbean, the United Nations and its collaborators are actively assisting government-led humanitarian efforts in the region, according to a UN spokesperson.
Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, mentioned during a daily briefing on Tuesday (local time) that the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has reported an alarming increase in the number of affected health facilities in Cuba, rising from 460 to over 600, while the count of damaged homes has surged from 60,000 to 90,000.
The UN system in Cuba continues to bolster national response initiatives, Haq stated. The World Food Programme (WFP) has provided assistance to approximately 140,000 individuals in shelters and has supported local kitchens. The Food and Agriculture Organisation is distributing agricultural tools and livestock feed to aid in the recovery of livelihoods, while the Pan American Health Organisation is supplying resources to enhance disease control and prevention efforts. Additionally, the UN Population Fund is enhancing sexual and reproductive health services by distributing essential medical supplies.
In Jamaica, assessments and relief efforts are ongoing, with only two communities remaining unreachable, down from 27 last week. Haq noted that the WFP has aided 9,000 people in the parishes of Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth and plans to extend cash assistance to up to 90,000 households, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
In Haiti, where Hurricane Melissa resulted in over 40 fatalities and inflicted significant damage across multiple departments, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and its partners have distributed hygiene kits nationwide and have restored power for vaccine cold storage.
Haq highlighted that the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation and its partners have provided psychosocial support in schools throughout Haiti, while the International Organisation for Migration, UNICEF, and other partners have distributed tarpaulins and additional supplies.
Moreover, the WFP is set to deliver 15-day rations on Tuesday to some of the areas most severely impacted in the southern regions of Haiti, following a government-led targeting process to identify those in greatest need, the spokesperson added.
Point of View
It's clear that collaboration and swift action are vital in the face of such disasters. The resilience of the affected communities, supported by international aid, is commendable. Our commitment remains with the nation as it navigates through recovery and rebuilding.
NationPress
12/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of humanitarian aid in Cuba?
The UN reports that over 600 health facilities have been affected, with 90,000 homes damaged. Assistance continues through various UN agencies.
How is Jamaica responding to the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa?
Jamaica is making progress with assessments and relief efforts, with the WFP assisting 9,000 people and planning to extend cash aid to 90,000 households.
What support is being provided in Haiti?
UNICEF and partners are distributing hygiene kits and restoring power for vaccine storage, along with delivering food rations to the most affected areas.
How many lives were lost in Haiti due to Hurricane Melissa?
The hurricane claimed more than 40 lives in Haiti, causing significant damage across various departments.
What types of supplies are being distributed by the UN?
The UN is providing medical supplies, food rations, agricultural tools, and psychosocial support to assist communities in recovery.
