BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The European Union says it is providing Euro 450 000 (One Euro=US$1.29 cents) in humanitarian aid two two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries following the impact of Hurricane Beryl earlier this week.
Damage caused by Hurricane Beryl in CarriacouThe EU said the humanitarian funds will help address the most urgent needs of the affected populations in Grenada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
It said the funding will serve to provide assistance to the most vulnerable people affected by the hurricane, including cash assistance, water, sanitation and hygiene, food items and other basic needs, among other aspects.
To help with the emergency response, on Tuesday, the EU activated its Copernicus satellite service in rapid mapping mode and that five maps have been produced so far.
“Hurricane Beryl has lashed the Caribbean with unprecedented force at this time of the year, causing widespread suffering and damage in several islands. The initial funding just approved will bring much needed relief to people that have seen their lives upended by this disaster, both in Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
“As the hurricane moves further, the EU keeps closely monitoring its trajectory and stands ready to help other populations that might be affected in the next hours. All our response instruments, humanitarian aid and civil protection, will be mobilised if necessary,” said the EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič.
This new funding comes in addition to the the more than two million Euros already allocated this year for humanitarian aid and disaster preparedness in the Caribbean region.
On Monday, Hurricane Beryl passed between St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada, with maximum sustained winds of over 140 miles per hour (mph).
The category four storm made landfall on Grenada’s Carriacou Island becoming the first hurricane on record to have reached the highest level 5 so early in the year, though it later went back to a category 4.
The strong winds and storm surges associated with the hurricane caused widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure.
