THE United Nations is to make available US$4 million from its Central Emergency Response Fund to kick-start humanitarian operations in Grenada, Jamaica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines following the passage of Hurricane Beryl.

In a statement on Wednesday, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said he was deeply dismayed by the destruction wreaked by Hurricane Beryl, the strongest hurricane in history in the Atlantic Ocean during the month of June.

At that time the hurricane had already left a trail of destruction in Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and was battering Jamaica before heading towards the Cayman Islands, Belize and Mexico.

Guterres expressed his solidarity with the people and governments of the nations affected by this disaster and extended his condolence to the families of the victims and wishes a swift recovery to those injured.

He noted that the UN has offered its support to the countries of the region and, under the leadership of the resident coordinators in the area, the UN is working closely with authorities and its partners to assess and respond to the devastation already inflicted, as well as to prepare in places where Hurricane Beryl is expected to make landfall.

“The UN is prepositioning teams, with others on standby to deploy as needed,” said Guterres as he pointed out that, in coordination with the affected nations, he is considering launching an appeal to address humanitarian needs arising from the impact of Hurricane Beryl.

Residents cleari downed trees on Maxfield Avenue in the Corporate Area (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

GUTERRES…deeply dismayed by the destruction wreaked by Hurricane Beryl