Latin America & The Caribbean Weekly Situation Update as of 19 July 2024

CARIBBEAN: HURRICANE BERYL

Hurricane Beryl response is progressing in the affected countries. The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) Rapid Needs Assessment Teams are sharing their findings with the governments of Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Various assessments are ongoing in Jamaica, where most roads are cleared, but 60 per cent of the population lacks electricity and about 20 per cent lack access to clean water. Damage to 82 health facilities may require US$12 million for repairs.

Both Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines face logistical challenges. In Grenada, limited electricity affects Carriacou and Petite Martinique, while destroyed water tanks and infrastructure have led to overcrowded shelters and health surveillance concerns. Similarly, in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, there are damaged power networks on Canouan and a lack of clean water on Union Island, with people setting up makeshift shelters. A field hospital will be set up on Union Island to address healthcare needs.

HAITI: HEALTH

The Haitian Police have regained control of Port-auPrince’s General Hospital after armed groups used it as a base for months. However, the hospital is still closed due to extensive looting. Since February, violence has severely disrupted Port-au-Prince’s healthcare system, shutting down many facilities, including the main university hospital. Access to healthcare and psychological help is limited. Less than 20 per cent of trauma care facilities are fully operational, and nearly 4 out of every 10 inpatient care centers in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince are closed. These findings come as a recent UN Women survey revealed that while 66.2 per cent of surveyed IDPs had access to healthcare before fleeing, only 10.3 per cent of women and 32 per cent of men have access now.

PANAMA: MIGRATION

According to the National Border Service (SENAFRONT), 11,363 people crossed Panama’s border with Colombia since July 1, nearly 9,000 fewer than the same period last year. The border force attributes this to the installation of about 3 miles of fencing on five trails meant to direct migrants to a humanitarian corridor. Moreover, the National Air and Naval Service (SENAN) is now patrolling both coasts around Darien. Despite this, migration remains close to 2023 levels when more than 500,000 people undertook the dangerous journey. So far in 2024, more than 212,000 people have entered Panama through the Darien.