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Photo via CMC
UNITED NATIONS, CMC – The United Nations said on Tuesday that at least 30 people have died as a result of Hurricane Melissa when it caused widespread damage in Haiti last week.
The UN Deputy spokesperson, Farhan Haq, told the daily UN briefing that the UN and its partners “continue to carry out assessments of the damage wreaked by Hurricane Melissa and are ramping up our efforts to reach people in need.
“According to the authorities, at least 30 people have died,” he said, adding that joint assessments by the Haitian government, the UN and “our humanitarian partners continue in the Grand ‘Anse department and will expand to other affected departments in the coming days.
“Despite a severe lack of funding, access challenges and logistical conditions, we and our partners remain committed to stay and deliver life-saving assistance to those most in need,” Haq said, adding that United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) continues to work closely with authorities and partners to ensure “a coherent, efficient and well-coordinated response, facilitating information sharing and supporting collective efforts to reach affected populations”
He said that the US$908 million Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan is just over 21 per cent funded, with US$195 million received so far.
Haq said with regards to Jamaica, OCHA reports that more than 1.5 million people – over half of the country’s population – have been affected, facing the loss of their homes and livelihoods.
“OCHA tells us that infrastructure has been severely damaged. More than 130 roads have been blocked, while power and communication networks have been disrupted. Access to some western parishes remains difficult due to roads being blocked by debris as well as fuel shortages.
“We and our humanitarian partners continue to support the government’s efforts to restore access, strengthen health surveillance and ensure that life-saving assistance reaches those most in need.”
Haq said that health services are under heavy strain and that several hospitals and clinics were damaged or destroyed, including the hospital in the town of Black River.
He said this has prompted the deployment of an emergency medical team from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), with further support planned.
“PAHO has also deployed a mental health and psychosocial support specialist to support children and health workers. Hospitals report having only a few days’ worth of food supplies, as well as critical shortages of water and fuel for electricity, which are affecting their ability to deliver care.”
Haq said that the World Food Programme estimates that up to 360,000 people may require food assistance. Meanwhile, UNICEF and its partners are working to restore safe water and sanitation services, particularly in shelters and affected communities.
Grace-Anne Smith 
