Summary

The first two weeks following the emergency appeal were characterized by massive mobilization of the Jamaica Red Cross volunteers and their governmental counterparts who have worked in collaboration towards the assessment and distribution of relief items, to address the most immediate needs of the affected population. As of 15 November, the assessments revealed a total of 6,170 families with damage houses (minor to severe) and more than 37,000 farmer families affected (total of 215,850 people affected by Hurricane Sandy) In the first weeks, 1,632 families have received some humanitarian assistance in terms of non food items (NFI), 450 have received SPHERE standard food parcels from the contingency stock and more than 300 received additional food supplies (mainly tins of corned beef with tins of vegetables) from a private company (Grace Kennedy) donation. The evaluations carried out until 12 November 2012 have shown that 5,153 families have been affected in three parishes: Portland, St. Mary and St. Thomas.

This Emergency Appeal seeks 1,211,693 Swiss francs in cash, kind, or services to support the JRC to assist 3,400 families (17,000 beneficiaries) for 9 months through an operation which will be completed by the end of July 2013. A Final Report will be made available by the end of October 2013 (three months after the end of the operation). This Emergency Appeal responds to a request from the Jamaica Red Cross and seeks to support 3,400 of the families most severely affected by Hurricane Sandy. Families have lost their homes as houses incurred severe roof damage and there has been loss of personal belongings, and total destruction of subsistence crops (sugar cane, banana, plantain) as well as family orchards.