Kingston: As Hurricane Melissa is moving slowly across the Caribbean Sea, the winds, torrential rains, and flash flooding have put at least 1.6 million children at risk, according to UNICEF estimates. Caribbean countries, including Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, are expected to endure several days of intense weather that could disrupt basic services, especially in vulnerable coastal areas.
According to Emirates News Agency, currently a Category 4 storm and moving slowly across the Caribbean Sea, Melissa is forecast to strengthen to Category 5, with sustained winds of at least 157 mph (about 252 km/h). Roberto Benes, Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, emphasized the importance of preparedness to mitigate damage and loss of life in the most vulnerable communities.
He stated that UNICEF is focused on strengthening national capacities to anticipate and respond to climate-related emergencies, ensuring the delivery of essential services for children. This is crucial for protecting those most in need. In coordination with national authorities and partners, UNICEF is supporting emergency preparedness efforts across the region.
Efforts include prepositioning essential supplies such as hygiene materials, water purifiers, containers, and medical supplies. Early warning messages are being shared with communities, and cash is being provided to households at risk in the south of Haiti to mitigate the impact of the hurricane. Over the past decade, approximately 11 million people, including nearly 4 million children, were directly affected each year by natural and human-made hazards in Latin America and the Caribbean.