GLIDE No. TC-2008-000143
Period covered by this Ops Update: 9 September to 16 September, 2008;
Appeal target (current): CHF 1,802,093 (USD 1,638,300 or EUR 1,115,850)
Appeal coverage: 35%;
Appeal history:
This Emergency Appeal was initially launched on a preliminary basis on 9 September, 2008 for CHF 1,802,093 (USD 1,638,300 or EUR 1,115,850) for six months to assist 25,000 beneficiaries.
An allocation from the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) for CHF 25,000 (USD 23,809 or EUR 15,291) was made on 28 August 2008 to support the National Society of Jamaica
to cover early preparation and relief activities costs. A second DREF allocation for CHF 100,000 (90,909 or EUR 61,920) was requested and approved on 2 September.
A DREF allocation for CHF 25,000 (USD 23,809 or EUR 15,291) was granted on 1 September 2008 to support the Bahamas Red Cross Society. A second DREF allocation for CHF 170,000 (USD 154,545 or EUR 105,263) was requested and approved on 2 September.
Summary: On 28 August, 2008, hurricane Gustav lashed through Jamaica and Cayman Islands with strong winds and rain. Three days later, tropical storm Hanna swamped the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Island with heavy rain and gusts. The National Societies and the Overseas Branches of British Red Cross (BRCS) were beginning their damage and need assessments when hurricane Ike passed near causing heavy rains delaying the relief operation. The objectives in this appeal have been established based on identified needs: relief items, provision of psychosocial support, safe water and rehabilitation of livelihoods.
The situation
Tropical Storm Gustav impacted Jamaica on 28 and 29 August 2008 causing extensive rain and wind damage to infrastructure and personal effects. According to preliminary reports from the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), a total of 72 communities have been affected. The most affected and of major concern are the communities in the parishes of St Catherine, Kingston and St Andrew, Portland, St. Thomas and St. Mary. Landslides, flooding and torrential winds have affected the communities in these parishes. To date a total of 12 deaths have been confirmed as a result of Tropical Storm Gustav.
The Ministry of Agriculture reported damages to 70 percent of the banana crops in St Mary, 80 percent in St. Thomas and 90 percent in Portland. Preliminary estimates reveal that the overall agricultural sector sustained damages totalling 1,7 billion Jamaican dollars (CHF 112,583).
Hurricane Ike, a category 4 hurricane passed through south-eastern Bahamas on 7 September 2008. The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) was activated and monitored the situation. Maximum sustained winds were near 135 mph (215 km/hr) with higher gusts. The southern island of Inagua sustained significant damage and the other southern islands such as Mayaguana, Acklins, Crooked and Ragged Islands sustained lesser degrees of damage. Major communications interruptions were experienced. There were no reports of fatalities or injuries.
Although the response to Hanna was suspended pending the passage of hurricane Ike, the Bahamas Red Cross Society (BRCS) was able to send additional hurricane preparation and emergency relief items such as water, food parcels, cots, blankets and flashlights as requested to several islands including Mayaguana, Grand Bahama, New Providence, and Crooked Island.
During Hurricane Ike, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Department of Social Services reported that over 15 shelters were housing approximately 500 people. Assessments to guide relief distributions in response to both Hanna and Ike commenced as soon as possible after the passage of Ike. Based on the 2007 census figures for the islands impacted and initial damage assessments, it was estimated that approximately 500-700 families could be affected.
Assessments and distribution of relief items such as food, water and roofing tarpaulins were hampered by communication and transportation challenges due to the distance between islands, damage to infrastructure (telephone, transportation, electricity and water systems) and continued inclement weather. Coordination of the response, particularly of relief transport, was done with NEMA.
Hurricane Hanna brought strong winds and heavy rain to the Turks and Caicos Islands on 1 September as a category one hurricane. The island of Providenciales was affected by flooding, houses and roads were damaged. There were approximately 750 people in shelters; some of these emergency shelters are still open. An UNDAC team is now on the Islands, sharing information with the British Red Cross (BRC). Therefore assessments are still continuing.
The causeway between the islands of North, Middle, South, Caicos and Salt Cay was swept away. A few days after the passing of Hanna, hurricane Ike impacted Turks and Caicos on 6 September. The most affected island was Grand Turk. Infrastructure including houses and public buildings were severely damaged. Damage and needs assessments were carried out by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA). Priority needs identified included infrastructure materials, shelter, essential household items, clean water materials, and reconstruction and health personnel. Government announced a state of emergency for Grand Turk and South Caicos on 9 September.
Water has been restored in Grand Turk. The airports are functional and boats between the islands are operating.