Ireland has announced the provision of relief supplies to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada following the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl. The Tánaiste, Micheál Martin TD, and Minister of State for International Development, Seán Fleming TD, revealed that the supplies include tarpaulins, shelter kits, hygiene kits, water jerry cans, large water tanks, electricity generators, and solar lamps. These items, worth over €175,000, were flown from the UN’s Humanitarian Response Depot in Panama and will arrive on the islands this evening.
Hurricane Beryl caused widespread destruction across several Caribbean islands in early July, with over 90% of buildings damaged or destroyed in parts of Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Thousands have lost their homes and livelihoods, and at least twenty people have died.
Ireland is also sending a member of its Rapid Response Roster to work as a Shelter and Settlement Coordinator with the International Organisation for Migration.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin TD emphasized the impact of climate change, stating, “This record-breaking hurricane is a stark reminder of how the impacts of climate change are causing huge suffering for ordinary people.” Minister Fleming added, “These supplies will provide some immediate relief to communities that have been devastated by this incredibly powerful hurricane.”
Ireland pre-positions humanitarian relief items around the world and contributes to global emergency funds, which have allocated significant amounts to support the immediate relief efforts in the affected Caribbean islands.