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One of the strongest hurricanes to hit the Caribbean in recent history, Irma has affected more than 1.2 million people across the region. Less than two weeks later, Hurricane Maria has brought new misery to the same areas, as the most intense hurricane to hit Puerto Rico in more than 80 years.
Antigua and Barbuda have suffered widespread devastation – 95 percent of buildings in Barbuda are either damaged or destroyed, making the island uninhabitable.
The local hospital has been severely damaged and all medical equipment and supplies were lost in the storm. As a result, there are currently no health services available to individuals that are working to clean up the island.
The Canadian Red Cross has deployed aid workers, as well as two hospital rehabilitation units to Antigua and Barbuda. These units will support local health facilities that were damaged by the hurricane.
“The people of Barbuda are extremely resilient,” says Canadian Red Cross aid worker, Laura Archer, who is on the ground in Barbuda. “They have shown incredible strength and determination in their desire to return home and rebuild their community.”
Meanwhile, Dominica is also left ravaged in the wake of the Hurricane Maria.
“There has been widespread damage [in Dominica], they need all the support we can provide,” said Walter Cotte, Regional Director for the Americas for the International Federation of Red Cross.
A global Red Cross emergency team, including two Canadian Red Cross aid workers, is on its way to Dominica. The team is made up of experts from around the world and will serve as a frontline for Red Cross support to individuals and families whose lives have been shattered by this disaster.
Canadian Red Cross aid workers deployment to Dominica was made possible thanks to support from the Government of Canada.
Photos from Barbuda by Laura Archer, Canadian Red Cross