Sandy destroys homes and livelihoods in Jamaica
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Mathieu Léonard distributing relief items to beneficiaries in Robins Bay, St-Mary’s parish. Jamaica Red Cross (Curtis Palmer) | |
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One of many partially destroyed homes in Robins Bay. IFRC (Mathieu Léonard) | |
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"Although classified as a Category One hurricane, I was shocked by the extent of the damages," he says. "Trees were broken everywhere, electric lines down, houses with damaged walls and roofs just like the stronger hurricanes I had previously witnessed."
Léonard is working with local Red Cross Society volunteers, bringing relief items and distributing food to regions identified as priority areas following assessments done just after the Hurricane passed through. He’s met countless people who have lost almost everything.
"One of the first people I met lost his plantain crops, and pigs, which he sold in the market. Two thirds of his house also collapsed," says Léonard. "He worries about making ends meet before his crops grow back, which could take upwards of a year."
The Red Cross has been working around the clock assessing needs and delivering shelter, food and other necessities to the most vulnerable communities. So far it is estimated that 18,000 homes have been affected.
In addition to sending a delegate to work alongside the local Red Cross, the Canadian Red Cross has also contributed tarps for emergency shelter. The Government of Canada has also generously contributed $75,000 to Red Cross recovery operations in Jamaica. This contribution will help fund relief distributions, emergency shelter, dengue fever prevention and epidemic control, and livelihoods assistance over the coming months.
The Canadian Red Cross is standing by with specialized equipment and highly trained personnel, ready to assist if further help is requested.
Canadians wishing to support Red Cross emergency relief operations are encouraged to donate to the Hurricanes 2012 fund.
