The most powerful Atlantic hurricane in recorded history with sustained winds up to 175 mph, powerful Hurricane Irma made a direct hit on Florida, Haiti, Cuba, St. Maarten, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic leaving destruction in its path. Less than two weeks after Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Maria has now hit numerous islands in the Caribbean. Survivors are in need of immediate disaster assistance including help with food, clean water, hygiene items, and temporary shelter.
The most powerful Atlantic hurricane in recorded history with sustained winds up to 175 mph, powerful Hurricane Irma made a direct hit on Florida, Haiti, Cuba, St. Maarten, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic leaving destruction in its path. Less than two weeks after Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Maria has now hit numerous islands in the Caribbean. Survivors are in need of immediate disaster assistance including help with food, clean water, hygiene items, and temporary shelter.
World Vision is on the ground responding to the urgent needs of survivors. Pre-positioned relief supplies are being used to assist those affected in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. While World Vision has not had a presence in Puerto Rico before, our Global Rapid Response Team, who will be leading World Vision's response, is highly experienced in setting up emergency operations and distributions. Community partners are being established, with damage and needs assessments pending.
World Vision is implementing relief activities with plans for the next 6 months to respond to the needs of those affected. Initial activities will include distribution of relief supplies such as water, food, hygiene kits, tarps, tents, blankets, and kitchen kits. We'll establish Child-Friendly Spaces which provide children a safe place to play and receive psycho-social support after a traumatic event. Once the situation stabilizes we will provide small cash grants to stimulate the local economy.
