Attachments
Background
Beryl has become the strongest hurricane ever recorded in June, reaching major category 4 (in a scale of 5). It is estimated that 200,000 people, the equivalent of the entire populations of both Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, have been exposed and potentially severely affected by the impacts of the hurricane. Several smaller islands such as Carriacou and Petit Martinique in Grenada, and five of the thirtytwo Grenadines islands: Union Island, Bequia, Canouan, Palm Island, and Meru were also impacted.
The hurricane has caused widespread destruction, disrupting supply chains and economies and triggering a regional response to ensure efficient delivery of humanitarian supplies. The affected islands’ remoteness limited pre-existing logistics infrastructure, and lack of regular commercial logistics service providers present significant challenges in delivering lifesaving supplies.
Objectives
While sectoral needs assessments are underway, there is an urgent need for shelter, food, health, WASH and operational supplies. To support these evolving needs, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) has requested the World Food Programme (WFP) to co-lead the CDEMA Logistics Cell.
In alignment with CDEMA’s Response Plan and its strategic objectives, CDEMA and WFP is establishing a comprehensive logistics services platform to ensure the continuity of the supply chain, maximize capacity, and ensure the timely delivery of multi-sector humanitarian supplies. Given the significant and widespread disruption to commercial transport services, WFP will oversee the ‘CDEMA-WFP Logistics Common Service’ mechanism. Additionally, CDEMA and WFP will provide information management and coordination for the response.