Attachments
Summary:
Hurricane Sandy reached south-eastern Jamaica on 24 October 2012 as a category 1 storm. The hurricane caused one fatality and injured other people. Fallen trees blocked several roads and made some communities inaccessible. Hospitals, clinics and health centres also suffered damage. The hurricane destroyed houses and led to collapsed roofs in some communities, while in others the local flooding as a result of the hurricane caused families to evacuate to community centers. The heavy winds had significant impact on the agricultural areas, leaving plantain, banana and sugar cane crops damaged.
Assessments and relief distributions were conducted by the Jamaica Red Cross and the Ministry of Labour and Social Services (MLSS) in the most affected parishes of St. Mary, St. Thomas and Portland. The assessments indicated that a total of 11,456 families have been affected by Hurricane Sandy. Relief distributions were done in coordination with the Office for Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. The initial plan of action focused on emergency response: relief, shelter and health, as well as early recovery/livelihoods. Low funding resulted in some planned activities not being implemented. The plan of action is being revised to better reflect the current funding situation. It is expected that revisions will be made to the present emergency appeal.