On Tuesday, October 28, the devastating Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, causing flooding and widespread destruction. The hurricane is now affecting Cuba and other countries in the region.
Brice de le Vingne, head of the Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) emergency unit, gave the following statement:
“We express our deep regret at the tragic loss of life and destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa, and our solidarity with everyone who has been affected.
“The airport in Jamaica is currently closed, but MSF is preparing to send emergency teams specializing in health care, logistics, and water and sanitation to respond. We are also preparing supplies to be sent once the airport reopens, so we can provide people with general health care and essential items such as medical kits, non-food items, and critical materials for the provision of safe water, depending on the needs identified.
How MSF responds to natural disasters
Natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, and extreme weather can cause widespread devastation and create ideal environments for diseases to spread. They can exacerbate existing crises in places contending with conflicts, disease outbreaks, or economic instability.
MSF is often one of the first aid organizations on the ground when a natural disaster strikes. Our teams set up mobile clinics in and around disaster zones and provide displaced people with medical and psychological care, essential relief items like tents and blankets, and routine health services for people with chronic conditions. We also support local health facilities with essential medicines and supplies and help local staff provide specialized treatment.
Earthquake in Cebu, Philippines
MSF deployed emergency teams to respond, focusing on hard-to-reach areas in Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remigio, Tabuelan, and Borbon, and distributing safe drinking water to those most in need. Our teams provided mental health care and psychosocial support, as well as technical support and guidance to local health authorities.
Afghanistan earthquake
MSF’s team was on the ground after a magnitude-6 quake struck Nangarhar province, distributing emergency kits in Jalalabad and helping to assess the needs of people affected.
Myanmar earthquake
After a 7.7-magnitude quake hit, MSF teams operated mobile clinics, provided consultations in makeshift shelters, improved access to water and sanitation services, and distributed mosquito nets and other supplies.
Cyclone Chido in Mozambique
MSF launched an emergency response to ensure access to health care and psychological support in the most affected areas for survivors and overwhelmed health workers.
“The hurricane has also caused some flooding and damage in Haiti, where MSF already provides medical services. Although our teams have not witnessed significant needs caused by the hurricane, in Port-au-Prince our main concerns are the possibility of more heavy rain. In the event of floods, our teams are preparing contingency measures such as securing equipment and medicines for our existing projects. We remain ready to respond in other parts of the country as needed.
“MSF teams are in touch with people in countries affected by Hurricane Melissa to understand their most pressing immediate needs. Although we are not present in some of these countries, we know from our more than 50 years’ experience responding to emergencies that there will be immediate need for food and shelter for people. They will also have medical needs.
“Disasters can affect continuity of care as well as people’s access to essential medicines for non-communicable and other diseases. This hurricane will highlight people’s need for mental health care. It is also critical that people can access clean water to prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases.”
MSF continues to assess the impact of this disaster on communities in other countries in the region.
