Hurricane Beryl, strongest storm historically formed in June in the Atlantic Ocean, causing devastation as it swept across Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Jamaica.
Initially a tropical depression, Beryl rapidly intensified into a Category 4 hurricane and briefly reached Category 5, with winds of up to 240 km/h (150 mph).
Hurricane Beryl has now weakened to a Category 3 storm and is moving towards Belize and Mexico, continuing to pose a significant threat.
The storm killed at least ten people, injured many more and caused widespread destruction, forcing thousands into shelters.
UN Secretary-General ‘deeply disappointed’
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his deep disappointment on the devastation caused by the storm, while reaffirming solidarity with the affected countries.
“The Secretary-General, in coordination with affected countries, is considering issuing an appeal to address the humanitarian needs arising from the impact of Hurricane Beryl,” he said. SpokesmanStéphane Dujarric, said in a declare issued late Wednesday.
The statement added that $4 million will be provided from the United Nations. Central Emergency Response Fund to Grenada, Jamaica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
United Nations teams on the ground
UN humanitarian officials in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada are working with local officials, assisting with damage assessment and response.
Teams from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is also present in Barbados, supporting efforts in that country and the eastern Caribbean, Mr. Dujarric said at a press conference at the United Nations Headquarters in New York earlier in the day.
Teams are also looking at Belize and Jamaica, he added.
