Highlights
The massive impact of Hurricane Irma in the Caribbean was followed by Hurricane Maria, compounding humanitarian consequences and increasing immediate need for support. Dominica was severely affected, with ~20,000 children requiring humanitarian assistance. Dominican Republic is experiencing flooding, leaving 390,000 people without water. UNICEF activated its L2 emergency response from 21 Sept-31 Dec.
• Approximately one-third of children in Anguilla, BVI, TCI, Barbuda and Dominica have benefitted from UNICEF emergency response incl. WASH, education and child protection supplies and services.
• Three flights delivered WASH, education & child protection supplies for children on Anguilla, BVI, TCI and Dominica, Cuba and DR.
• An airlift of supplies for children arrived in TCI on 27 Sept, with LLITN and school in a box kits for 2,000 families each, recreation materials, tarpaulins for shelter and water purification tablets.
• Two UNICEF water tanks, 5 rigid-tuff tanks and 50 hygiene kits delivered to Dominica to support communities without water access
• 11,400 children benefiting from UNICEF emergency supplies in Anguilla, Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, TCIs.
• 48 school in a box kits, 96 recreation kits, 2,000 mosquito nets, 10,048 water purification packets and 630 tarpaulins have arrived in TCIs.
• 6 school in a box kits delivered to Barbuda Ministry of Education for 240 children integrated into secondary schools in Antigua.
• BVI Ministry of Education began process to set up 10 temporary learning and protection spaces with UNICEF support for psychosocial, education & WASH activities for 3-8 yr olds, on 5 Oct.
• Return to Happiness activities started across the Eastern Caribbean, including sports activities with the West Indies Cricket Board as a platform to talk about child protection.
Situation in numbers
+357,000 estimated # children in need of immediate assistance in Cuba, ECA, Haiti and Dominican Republic.
39,000 children in need of immediate assistance in ECA, with 20,000 children affected by Hurricane Maria in Dominica.
9,900 houses affected in Dominican Republic.
50,000 estimated # of people without water supply in Dominica (44 water systems affected)
38 confirmed deaths in Irma and Maria affected countries.
+125,000houses from Havana to Guantánamo are reported damaged (Cuba).
Situation Overview
Hurricane Maria caused widespread devastation in Dominica, affecting ~20,000 children. Access remains limited, with much of the island’s infrastructure badly affected. Maria impeded response that was already underway in parts of the Eastern Caribbean causing major logistical challenges across the region. Three municipalities in the Dominican Republic are experiencing extensive floods. Maria did not bring further damage to Haiti or Cuba. Humanitarian needs vary among the affected islands, but WASH, Child Protection (including psychosocial support) and Education are the main priority areas.