Ireland provides emergency supplies to hurricane-hit Caribbean
The airlift of Irish humanitarian supplies includes tarpaulins, shelter kits, hygiene kits, water jerry cans, large water tanks, electricity generators and solar lamps.
Ireland has sent emergency supplies to the Caribbean in response to Hurricane Beryl.
The hurricane caused widespread devastation across several islands in the Caribbean in early July.
Over 90% of buildings were damaged or destroyed and thousands have lost their homes and livelihoods on Grenada's northern islands and several of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' southern islands.
The airlift of Irish humanitarian supplies includes tarpaulins, shelter kits, hygiene kits, water jerry cans, large water tanks, electricity generators, and solar lamps. The items were flown from the UN's Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) in Panama, and will arrive on the islands this evening.
Announcing the airlift, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin said:
“Hurricane Beryl has been catastrophic for these islands. This record-breaking hurricane is a stark reminder of how the impacts of climate change are causing huge suffering for ordinary people.
“Many have lost their homes and their livelihoods. There is widespread disruption to services and basic supplies. As a small island state ourselves, we are pleased to be able to offer support to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada, in their time of need.”
The total airlift is worth over €175,000. The relief items will be distributed by the national disaster management agencies of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada.
Ireland is also deploying a member of its Rapid Response Roster to the region to work as a Shelter and Settlement Coordinator with the International Organisation for Migration.
Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora Seán Fleming added: "These supplies will provide some immediate relief to communities that have been devastated by this incredibly powerful hurricane.
“Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada face a long road ahead to rebuild their countries. I am pleased to announce also that Ireland will deploy a shelter expert to the region who will support the longer-term process of rebuilding.”