Hurricane Dean

Background
On August 19, 2007 Jamaica was hit by Hurricane Dean, a powerful category-4 storm. Torrential rain and strong winds (maximum gusts of 145 mph) created large-scale devastation.  The Office for Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) of the Government of Jamaica reports from its initial assessments that the hurricane destroyed houses and livelihoods in the eastern and southern parishes of the country. Electricity and water supply across the entire island has been affected and the country is currently under a public state of emergency for the next 30 days.

A national newspaper, the Jamaica Observer, quotes government sources saying that there were approximately 5,000 persons in over 200 emergency shelters island-wide as of August 21, 2007. Raynold Jackson, Director General of ODPEM reports, “Relief supplies are running low in the country and there is a need to assist the affected communities with immediate relief supply.” He is also encouraging aid agencies to support the affected communities.

Prior to the hurricane, Christian Aid, a member of Action by Churches Together (ACT) International, had already carried out disaster risk reduction training for national NGOs in the country, which has helped targeted communities and local NGOs to prepare in advance for future storm-related disasters. In Kingston, Christian Aid partners provided chainsaws for local residents to chop down potentially dangerous trees in order to minimize the damage before the hurricane.

Emergency situation
The most severely affected parishes are St. Thomas, Portland, St. Catherine, Clarendon, St. Elizabeth and the inner city of Kingston. Roads in the coastal areas are reported to have been affected by storm surges, which broke away sections and dumped loads of debris (sand, garbage, rocks, etc.) onto roadways. Agriculture production has also been severely affected, which is the main source of livelihood for many villagers. The availability of food crops like bananas, cassava, corns and vegetables will be affected in the months ahead. Linnette Vassen, Chairperson of the Women Resource and Outreach Centre (WROC), a Christian Aid partner, says, “Restoring livelihoods of the affected communities will be the most important task in the coming months.” A good number of houses have also been destroyed, as many of the roofs were blown off.

Michael Paratharayil, a regional emergency officer with Christian Aid, is currently in Jamaica coordinating efforts with their implementing partners. Christian Aid’s local partners are Children First, S-Corner and the Women Resource and Outreach Centre (WROC). Christian Aid also coordinated an assessment meeting that was attended by some of the national NGOs and UNDP.

Needs and intervention plans
From the initial assessment completed by Christian Aid and its implementing partners in St. Thomas, St. Catherine and the inner city of Kingston, the immediate needs are: food and baby food as well as non-food items including tarpaulins, bedding, essential household items, roofing and building materials, water and water purifiers, books and learning materials for children. There is also a need to support the communities with short-term livelihood measures through cash for work program to clear the debris and fallen trees.

In the long-term, there is a need to support the most vulnerable sections with sustainable livelihood and shelter program. At present, priority will be given to St. Thomas, St. Catherine and the inner city of Kingston. Christian Aid, along with national partners will be implementing the humanitarian program to address the needs of the most vulnerable sections in the society, which were affected by Hurricane Dean emergency. Christian Aid is planning to support 1,000-5,000 families with immediate relief, livelihood assistance and rehabilitation support and is coordinating with government agencies, NGOs and local churches that are working in the area. An ACT appeal for Jamaica will be launched soon.

Any funding indication or pledge should be communicated to Jessie Kgoroeadira, ACT Finance Officer (jkg@act-intl.org).