The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has reiterated his solidarity with countries affected by Hurricane Beryl, releasing four million dollars from the organisation’s emergency response fund to kickstart relief efforts.
Hurricane Beryl, the strongest hurricane in history to form in June in the Atlantic Ocean, wreaked havoc as it swept through 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 status, with winds up to 240 km/h (150 mph).
Now downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane, Hurricane Beryl is moving toward Belize and Mexico, continuing to pose a significant threat.
The storm has claimed at least ten lives, injuring many and causing widespread destruction, forcing thousands into shelters.
The secretary-general, however, expressed dismay at the destruction caused by the hurricane, reiterating his solidarity with affected nations.
“The Secretary-General, in coordination with the affected nations, is considering launching an appeal to address humanitarian needs arising from the impact of Hurricane Beryl,” his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said in a statement.
The statement added that four million dollars would be made available from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund to Grenada, Jamaica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
UN humanitarian officials in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and in Grenada are working with local officials, assisting damage assessment and response. (NAN)
