The hurricane inflicted extensive damage on homes, infrastructure, and crops, displacing thousands. Nevertheless, prior storm preparations by governments, supported by UN agencies and other NGOs, helped reduce the impact and save lives in many regions.
In Cuba, the hurricane hit Santiago de Cuba province with winds over 200 km/h and six hours of heavy rain. “Melissa is among the three strongest hurricanes recorded in Cuba and the most powerful worldwide this year,” said Francisco Pichon, UN Resident Coordinator for Cuba, during a New York press briefing via videoconference.
“More than three million people faced life-threatening conditions, with nearly 240 communities cut off by flooding and landslides,” he added via video.
Existing vulnerabilities
The storm exacerbated existing vulnerabilities. Many areas were still recovering from last year’s Hurricane Oscar and earthquakes, while drought, viral outbreaks, and energy shortages added more stress.
Despite these issues, Cuba’s civil defense evacuated over 77,000 people to protection centers, including schools used as temporary shelters.
Mr. Pichon emphasized the UN’s anticipatory action framework, which pre-positioned relief supplies and personnel before the storm. “This mechanism allowed us to respond swiftly and deliver essential goods to those most in need,” he stated.
Plans aim to assist two million people soon with food security, health, education, shelter, water and sanitation, and logistics.
Early preparedness saves lives
In Haiti, the storm’s slow progress caused flash floods, landslides, and crop destruction, reported Gregoire Goodstein, the UN’s interim Humanitarian Coordinator.
“At least 24 people have died, 17 were injured, and 18 remain missing,” he announced. Around 15,000 people are currently housed in over 120 temporary shelters.
Early preparedness saved lives. “We deployed emergency supplies, established evacuation shelters, and sent out 3.5 million early warning messages,” Mr. Goodstein told journalists. “Rapid response teams collaborated with national authorities to ensure safe evacuations,” he added.
Haiti faces the storm amid a persistent humanitarian crisis, with 1.4 million displaced, widespread hunger affecting half the population, and cholera outbreaks in some regions.
Mr. Goodstein noted that the UN’s Humanitarian Response Plan is 87 percent underfunded, endangering life-saving efforts.
“Humanitarian needs remain immense, and international cooperation is crucial.”
The UN continues coordinating aid across the Caribbean, supporting immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa.
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