Geneva: Hurricane Melissa could affect 1.5 million people in Jamaica alone, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said Tuesday, warning of a “massive impact”. “1.5 million people may be impacted,” Necephor Mghendi, the IFRC’s head of delegation for the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, told reporters in Geneva from Trinidad and Tobago, warning that number could be “an underestimate”.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the warning was issued as part of a broader alert concerning the potential devastation Hurricane Melissa could bring to the region. Jamaica is particularly vulnerable due to its geographical location and population density, and the Red Cross is preparing for a significant humanitarian response.
The Red Cross is coordinating efforts to mobilize resources and personnel to assist those potentially affected by the hurricane. The organization is also working closely with local agencies and communities to ensure that emergency plans are in place. The primary focus is on providing immediate relief and support to those in need, including food, shelter, and medical assistance.