UN agencies scale hurricane relief in the Caribbean as UNHCR launches $35 million winter appeal
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Summary
Two weeks after Hurricane Melissa, UN agencies reported continued shelter, health and food needs across Cuba, Jamaica and Haiti; UNHCR launched a global winter fundraising campaign with a target of at least $35 million to support displaced families and returnees.
Farhan said UN agencies and partners continue to support government‑led responses in the Caribbean after Hurricane Melissa. In Cuba more than 54,000 people remain displaced, including about 7,500 in official shelters, and damage to health facilities rose to more than 600. The World Food Programme has helped roughly 140,000 people in shelters and supports community kitchens, while FAO is distributing agricultural tools and livestock feed.
In Jamaica, Farhan said only two communities remain inaccessible (down from 27) but shelter remains a major concern because damaged roads have prevented delivery of about 40,000 tarpaulins. WFP has helped 9,000 people in Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth and plans cash assistance for up to 90,000 households.
The spokesperson said the UN Humanitarian Air Service expanded with five new access points and that WFP aims to assist a total of 190,000 people in the hurricane response, having so far reached more than 60,000, including anticipatory payments before the storm.
Separately, Farhan said UNHCR launched a global winter fundraising campaign to help forcibly displaced families and returnees, with plans to raise at least $35,000,000 to repair homes, insulate shelters, provide blankets and medicine for people facing winter conditions.