Hurricane Beryl:UNICEF Situation Report #1

Hurricane Beryl, as a powerful Category 4 tropical cyclone, swept through the south-east Caribbean from the early hours of 1 July 2024, causing widespread damage, destruction, power outages and disruption to water supplies and telecommunications. After hitting Barbados with high winds and storm surge, the hurricane continued its path, causing further damage to Saint Lucia, and, more extensively, to Grenada, where one death has been reported on the mainland. Its two sister islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique have been badly affected, with two further deaths reported on the former. 

There is an urgent need for temporary housing given that 95 per cent of homes have been damaged or destroyed and over 400 people are reportedly in shelters across mainland Grenada. In addition, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has suffered extensively, with government buildings, schools and churches affected. More than 1,700 people are now in shelters. Its islands of Bequia and Union have borne the brunt and one death has been confirmed in the latter and 90 per cent of buildings have been severely damaged or destroyed, including the airport.