Hurricane Dean Situation Report No. 1

This situation report is based on information from hurricane watch centres, UN Agencies, Regional OCHA Office in Panama and CDERA (Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency)

HIGHLIGHTS

Hurricane Dean strengthened into a category 3 on 16 August as it landed on the islands of St. Lucia, Martinique and Dominica causing torrential downpours and gusting winds, then plowed into the eastern Caribbean Sea. According to various hurricane watch centres, it is predicted that Hurricane Dean may get even stronger when it enters the Gulf of Mexico, possibly reaching a category 4.

SITUATION

1. Hurricane Dean entered the eastern Caribbean on Friday (August 17), causing damage to rooftops and flooding streets in the region. At least three deaths have been reported as the storm entered Jamaica and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.

2. On the island of St. Lucia, one person was reported killed. The strong winds caused damage to houses and hospitals were evacuated.

3. The government on Dominica reported 2 deaths, while the nearby island of Martinique reported one death.

4. The Government of Barbados reported no damage to structures, however teams worked throughout the night to clear fallen trees from the roads

FORECAST:

5. Hurricane Dean is predicted to hit the southern coast of Haiti late Saturday (18 August), and is due to hit Jamaica on Sunday (19 August), possibly strengthening to Category 4, with winds between 131 and 155 mph. It could reach Yucatan, Mexico, two days later.

6. UNDP Barbados reported that Barbados and the eastern islands are expected to be clear from the hurricane.

7. In Jamaica, the Director of ODPEM reportedly stated that predictions indicate rough estimates of 32,000- 150,000 displaced persons and up to approximately 10,000 needing temporary shelter.

PREPAREDNESS

Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency

8. Regional Response: In response to the threat posed by Hurricane Dean, the CDERA Coordinating Unit is in constant contact with the National Disaster Offices. The CDERA Coordinating Unit is urging States to ensure that all national preparedness and readiness actions are rushed to completion.

9. The CDERA Coordinating Unit internal contingency plan was activated.

10. The CDERA Coordinating Unit has contacted the Director General at ODPEM in Jamaica and is working to confirm regional technical support teams to assist as necessary.

11. A second meeting of the Eastern Caribbean Donor Group (ECDG) was convened on 17 August. Given the preliminary reports received from Dominica and Saint Lucia, it anticipates a Level One or Level two response. As a result the Rapid Needs Assessment Teams (RNAT) will not be deployed at this time.

12. The ECDG also considered the emerging threat to Jamaica and looked at options of providing support to the North Western Donor Group (NWCDG).

13. The Regional Response Mechanism remains on STANDBY, meaning that all elements of the RRM should take the necessary preparatory actions in accordance with their respective plans to ensure that a speedy and efficient response may be mounted if a full activation is declared.

United Nations

14. The United Nations has despatched an UNDAC Team to Jamaica, expected to arrive on Saturday 18 August. UNCT is working with closely with the national authorities.

15. The situation in Belize is being closely monitored. UNDAC may consider deploying a team. UNCT is working with the national authorities.

16. The OCHA Regional Office (RO) in Panama has been in contact with the RCs in the region informing them of the various emergency tools available for their use.

Haiti

The UNCT in Haiti is on stand-by and have in place the following preparedness arrangements:

17. Five WFP trucks are on stand-by in case of an emergency (3 at the UNDP Compound and 2 at their main warehouse in PAP). Two trucks are planned for the transportation of food items and an additional truck for NFIs (from Agencies, NGOs, etc). Furthermore a container with 10 MT of HEB and BP5 will be parked close to MINUSTAH HQ.

18. UNICEF NFIs are mobilised for immediate distribution.

19. OCHA Haiti is collecting information on available stocks from NGOs.

20. An UNDAC pre-alert has been issued.

21. Emergency Operations Centres in Jacmel, Les

Cayes and Jérémie, are being staffed and equipped in order to mobilize health authorities and coordinate activities (preparedness, needs assessment, response to disaster) with local authorities, NGOs and MINUSTAH.

22. Four medical kits and other supplies have been pre-positioned for Les Cayes and Jérémie (and other locations in need) to provide health care to 10,000 people for three months.

23. PAHO/WHO is coordinating with UNICEF to provide immediate provision of medical kits. The governmental institution responsible for emergencies, (MSPP) in cooperation with PAHO/WHO, is on stand-by to deploy an emergency team to set up advanced medical posts and conduct health assessments.

24. In Les Cayes, UNICEF and WHO have pre-positioned food and NFI as well as tents, in partnership with INGO Terre des Hommes.

International Federation of the Red Cross

25. IFRC Panamerican Disaster Response Unit (PADRU) is on Red Alert. An alert for IFRC Regional Intervention Teams (RIT) across the region has been sent out by PADRU. IFRC personnel in Panama and Trinidad are on standby to respond as required within the region. IFRC Representatives are positioned in Jamaica to support possible response, if required.

For detailed information please contact:

Desk Officer (New York)
Mr. Ignacio León
Office Tel: +1 917 367-9960 Office Fax: +1 212 963-36 30 E-mail: leoni@un.org

GCMS (Geneva)
Ms. Aoibheann O'Keeffe
Office Tel: +41 22 917 4329 E-mail: okeeffe@un.org

OCHA Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean
Mr. Douglas Reimer
Regional Disaster Response Adviser
Office Tel. +507 317-1748 Office Fax +507 317-1744 Mobile: +507 6676-1689 E-mail: reimer@un.org

Press Contact: (NY)
Ms. Stephanie Bunker
Office Tel : + 1 917-367-5126 Office Fax: + 1 212-963-1312 Email: bunker@un.org

(GVA)
Ms. Elizabeth Byrs
Office Tel + 41 22 917 26 53 Office Fax + 41 22 917 00 20 E-mail: byrs@un.org