After passing over the Yucatán Peninsula, Hurricane Beryl weakened to a Tropical Storm and is no longer a threat to the Caribbean. The storm caused severe damage to infrastructure, services and livelihoods in Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Jamaica. At least 12 deaths have been reported in these countries. Exact numbers remain a challenge, as assessments are ongoing amid damage to logistics and communications services. OCHA is working with authorities and partners, including the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) teams are in Jamaica, as well as in Barbados, from where they will deploy to Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The UN allocated US$4 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support humanitarian operations in Grenada, Jamaica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Additional funding includes US$488,000 (€450,000) from the European Union.
Beryl’s unexpected intensity and arrival as the earliest major hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic could mean an even more intense 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season than what had originally been forecast.
Mexico, Belize, Cayman Islands
- Mexico, Belize, and the Cayman Islands do not report any major damage.
- Cayman Islands officials note that those in shelters have already returned home.
- Cleanup is underway and emergency operations have been stood down.
Jamaica
- Authorities are expressing concern over Beryl's impact in southern parishes.
- Initial reports cite impacts to agriculture and livestock in these parishes.
- Several health facilities are running on generators due to power disruptions.
Grenada
- Carriacou, Petite Martinique and northern Grenada are the most affected areas.
- Authorities continue to restore communications and power services.
- There are concerns over damaged roads and air transport facilities.
St. Vincent & the Grenadines
- Bequia, Union Island, Canouan and Mayreau are the most affected islands.
- Shelters remain active and authorities continue to distribute relief supplies.
- Damage to power and logistics networks are posing challenges.
Disclaimer
- UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
- To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.