Fewer hurricanes do not mean less risk: IFRC ramps up preparedness across the Americas

Panama City, 1 June 2026 — Although forecasts point to a below-average hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) today recalled that high cyclonic activity is expected in the eastern Pacific. The organization called for sustained investment in preparedness, anticipatory action and early warning systems across more than 25 countries1 in Central America, North America and the Caribbean that are exposed to tropical cyclones.For the 2026 season in the Atlantic basin, which runs from 1 June to 30 November, the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts, with a 55 per cent probability, below-average cyclonic activity relative to the historical average of 14 named storms and seven hurricanes.This year, NOAA notes, there would be between eight and 14 named storms. Of these, three to six would become hurricanes, including one to three major hurricanes — that is, Category 3 or higher. By contrast, the agency forecasts, with a 70 per cent probability, a more active season in the eastern Pacific Ocean, where it predicts between 15 and 22 named storms, of which nine to 14 would become hurricanes and five to nine of those would reach major hurricane strength."We will say it again and again: a single storm is enough to destroy communities, overwhelm public services, and displace and endanger hundreds of thousands of people," said Cristian Torres, Deputy Regional Director of the IFRC for the Americas. "Forecasts are critical so that we can act before disasters strike, but beyond knowing how many storms there will be, it is essential to reduce people's vulnerability, expand the coverage of early warning systems, and develop, fund and test inter-agency protocols that protect them from the multiple hazards they face," he added.As part of its commitment to preparedness, the IFRC has already prepositioned in Panama, Santo Domingo and other strategic locations across the region enough relief supplies to provide immediate assistance to up to 60,000 people affected by a large-scale emergency. The stock includes hygiene and kitchen kits, mosquito nets, tarpaulins, cleaning and construction tools, solar lamps, water treatment units and water purification supplies, among other items.Aware that mobilizing humanitarian aid in record time requires the participation, knowledge and collaboration of multiple actors, the IFRC also relies on simulation exercises as a critical tool to test crisis and disaster response mechanisms and protocols.The most recent, held this past May, aimed to measure and improve mobilization times, customs procedures and the inter-agency response capacity of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras in the face of potential flooding caused by hurricanes.The exercise involved mobilizing Red Cross water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) specialist teams and equipment across these three countries. The initiative brought together civil protection, customs and foreign affairs authorities, along with the National Red Cross Societies. It was supported by European Union humanitarian funding and the German Red Cross, and was carried out within the framework of the Regional Mechanism for International Humanitarian Assistance, the instrument of the Central American Integration System (SICA) for organizing, facilitating and coordinating humanitarian assistance among its member countries.Another of the preparedness measures driven by the IFRC ahead of the hurricane season is the adoption of early action protocols. These protocols bring together measures agreed in advance among communities, authorities, and the Red Cross, which are triggered when certain risk thresholds are reached. Depending on the context, these actions may include cash transfers ahead of an emergency to protect homes and livelihoods, the relocation of essential goods, the reinforcement of critical infrastructure, or the evacuation of people in situations of greater vulnerability.When these systems work, communities receive timely alerts, authorities have more time to coordinate evacuations, and humanitarian teams can mobilize aid before the impact occurs. In Central America alone, the IFRC currently has five early action protocols for floods and tropical storms, financially supported by its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF)."Prepositioning relief items, simulation exercises and early action protocols make it possible to protect lives, reduce economic losses and speed up recovery after a disaster," Torres explained. "But rules can also save lives and build community resilience, which is why we call on all countries in the region to advance the international treaty for the protection of persons in disaster situations, currently under consultation at the United Nations."This treaty seeks to ensure that the protection of people exposed to or affected by disasters does not depend on chance, but on clear commitments and coordinated action. Its adoption, expected in 2027, would facilitate international cooperation and reduce the obstacles that can delay the arrival of aid. It would also improve the conditions for Red Cross Societies, as auxiliary to the public powers, to continue assisting the most vulnerable people: women, girls, older people, people on the move or with disabilities, and communities affected by violence and poverty.This season, shaped by the influence of the coming El Niño phenomenon, illustrates how risk can shift and take different forms across the continent. While Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic continue to recover from hurricanes Beryl, Oscar, Rafael and Melissa, other areas face different threats. The Central American Dry Corridor, parts of Chile and areas of the Andean region are bracing for possible droughts, while Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay anticipate heavy rains and flooding.In all of them, Red Cross teams are already working with communities to get ready.Against this backdrop, where climate, health and social risks accumulate and overlap with growing frequency, the IFRC calls for investing without delay in measures that enable States, communities and the Red Cross itself to better protect people in the face of multi-hazard scenarios. Because, as underscored at IFRC's recent XXXIII Pre-Hurricane and Recurrent Hazards Conference, when risks pile up, the difference between a hazard and a humanitarian crisis is usually decided before the impact — in the level of preparedness already in place, and in the capacity to act before the disaster occurs.For more information: [email protected] Panama: Susana Arroyo +50769993199In Geneva: Paolo Cravero +41 79 894 83 96

Local volunteers and new energy sources power the Cuban Red Cross’s response to Hurricane Melissa six months after the storm 

Six months after Hurricane Melissa, locally led recovery will determine how communities withstand future shocks

Kingston, Panama City, Geneva 21, April 2026 — Six months after Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica is entering a critical phase where recovery efforts must continue to be a priority or risk deepening long-term vulnerability, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Jamaica Red Cross stated today, as they presented the country’s recovery strategy during the Hurricane Melissa Recovery Conference held in Kingston.The Category 5 hurricane affected 1.6 million people — more than half the country’s population — causing an estimated USD 8.8 billion in damages — equivalent to 56 per cent of Jamaica’s GDP — placing significant pressure on public finances, slowing economic recovery, and leaving lasting impacts on livelihoods, housing and essential services. Losses in key sectors such as tourism and agriculture continue to affect income and stability, particularly in rural and coastal communities.At the same time, rising global costs — including fuel and agricultural inputs — are increasing the burden on recovery, making it more expensive for families to rebuild and for systems to recoverWhile emergency response efforts helped stabilize the immediate aftermath, thousands of families remain displaced or living in damaged homes, with limited means to rebuild.“Six months after a disaster, recovery becomes decisive. If we get this moment right, we can reduce future risks. If we don’t, vulnerabilities deepen,” said Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General of the IFRC. “Recovery is about strengthening the capacity of communities, systems and institutions to withstand the next shock. That means investing early, working in coordination with national authorities, and trusting local actors to lead — particularly National Societies like the Jamaica Red Cross, whose auxiliary role positions them to support and strengthen national recovery efforts.”With a new hurricane season approaching and humanitarian needs still acute, the Jamaica Red Cross has developed a recovery strategy focused on five critical areas: shelter, livelihoods, health — including mental health — hygiene, and community resilience. The strategy is grounded in community engagement, data-driven assessments, and close coordination with national authorities, ensuring that recovery efforts are aligned with national priorities and shaped by the needs of affected people.“This strategy is aligned with the national recovery framework and builds on what has already been achieved in the response, while supporting communities to recover safely and sustainably,” said Allasandra Chung, President of the Jamaica Red Cross. “It recognises that every family and every community recovers at a different pace and requires solutions tailored to their specific needs. Grounded in dialogue with affected people and national authorities, and drawing on our experience in recovery from Hurricane Beryl and other crises, it goes beyond rebuilding what was lost — helping communities rebuild futures that are safer, more resilient and better prepared for what lies ahead.”The Jamaica Red Cross, supported by the IFRC network, has been central to the response and continues to support communities as recovery progresses. To date, more than 45,000 people have received humanitarian assistance, including shelter materials, hygiene items, food and cash support. Over 6,000 households have received cash assistance to help meet urgent needs and begin rebuilding, while mental health and psychosocial support has reached more than 2,100 people.The Jamaica Red Cross recovery approach places local leadership at its core, strengthening community capacities and ensuring that people are active participants in shaping their own recovery. Through training, outreach and engagement, communities are being supported to rebuild safer homes, restore livelihoods and reduce future risks.The recovery strategy forms part of the IFRC Emergency Appeal for 19 million Swiss francs to support 180,000 people over 24 months. However, the appeal is currently only 56 per cent funded, limiting the ability to scale up recovery efforts at the pace required.AV assets available here.Download the recovery strategy here.For more information and to arrange interviews contact: [email protected] JamaicaEsther Pinnock +1 (876) 836-5049In PanamaSusana Arroyo +507 69993199In GenevaTommaso Della Longa +41 79 708 4367Paolo Cravero +41 79 894 83 96

The Cuban Red Cross brings water, healthcare, and support to communities affected by Hurricane Melissa

From response to recovery: IFRC President honors Jamaica Red Cross volunteers and youth

St. Catherine, Jamaica, 21 January 2026 - The Jamaica Red Cross last week welcomed President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Mrs. Kate Forbes, whose visit placed a powerful spotlight on recovery, resilience and the efforts of volunteers driving Jamaica’s humanitarian response, three months after Hurricane Melissa struck the country.At the Jamaica Red Cross national headquarters, in St. Catherine, volunteers and Red Cross Youth filled the room with songs, poetry and messages of unity, courage and humanity, a vibrant reflection of the compassion that has sustained communities through loss and rebuilding. Volunteers were formally recognised for their extraordinary dedication in the aftermath of the hurricane, even when many were personally impacted themselves.“Recovery is often the most overlooked phase of a disaster, yet it is where dignity is restored and futures are rebuilt,” said IFRC President Kate Forbes. “What I have seen in Jamaica is the true heart of humanitarian action: local volunteers, especially young people, leading with courage, creativity and care for their communities.”Jamaica Red Cross was active in communities before Hurricane Melissa made landfall, taking early action, supporting alerts and evacuations, and positioning relief for the most at-risk families. Since Hurricane Melissa hit the island, the Jamaica Red Cross has supported more than 28,000 people with shelter materials, clean water, health services, psychosocial support, and cash assistance to meet their most urgent needs.During her visit, President Forbes visited mobile health clinics in Darliston and Savanna-la-Mar, made possible through the leadership of Jamaica Red Cross volunteers and staff, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Canadian Red Cross. These mobile clinics are strengthening primary healthcare access in communities which are still navigating the long road to recovery.Jamaican Red Cross President, Ms. Allasandra Chung, underscored the significance of the visit and the volunteers it honoured. “This visit affirms that recovery is not just about rebuilding structures, but restoring hope,” Chung said. "The service of our volunteers is priceless, and this recognition belongs to every volunteer and youth member who chose humanity in the face of hardship.”President Forbes’ visit reinforces the IFRC’s long-term commitment to supporting Jamaica’s recovery from Hurricane Melissa, and the vital role of volunteers in rebuilding stronger, more resilient communities.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Jamaica: Chloe Govindasamy, [email protected] Geneva: India Roberts-Smillie, +41 763 726 251

Climate of storms: A string of recent super storms expose the human costs of a warming world

Even in places where tropical storms are normal a part of life, the destructive power of Hurricane Melissa and the two recent Typhoons in the Philippines came as a shock to the millions of people who lived through them. When Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica, for example, it was classified as a Category 5 — the strongest storm the island nation has ever experienced. Why are tropical storms like Melissa becoming so severe? And why are they becoming so frequent? Perhaps most importantly, what can we do about it? These are some of the questions we tackle through recorded interviews with people on the front lines of the storm's impact and with three special guests who are experts in the field of emergency preparedness, disaster response and the science of climate change.

The IFRC warns of growing psychological toll on children and families one month after Hurricane Melissa

Kingston/Panama/Geneva. 28 November 2025 - One month after Hurricane Melissa, people continue to report significant psychological impacts, including high levels of stress, anxiety, persistent fear, sleep disturbances, and grief linked to the loss of homes, livelihoods, and loved ones. Thousands across the affected regions are seeking psychosocial support, with demand increasing as families confront the long-term emotional toll of the disaster, reports the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).In Jamaica, children are showing a wide range of emotional reactions, including fear of the dark and heightened sensitivity to rain or wind. Some have become unusually quiet or irritable, while others are more clingy, fearful of separation, or noticeably hyperactive as they try to cope with the ongoing sense of insecurity.“While physical wounds may heal and houses can be rebuilt with time, emotional wounds can linger long after the crisis is over. Mental health and psychosocial support programs are among the least expensive interventions in humanitarian response, yet their impact is priceless,” said Dorothy Francis, Head of Operations at the IFRC in Jamaica. “It is critical to ensure the resources needed not only for psychological first aid, but also for psychoeducation, child-friendly activities, and group sessions tailored to community needs.”The IFRC has launched an emergency appeal for 19 million Swiss francs (approximately USD 23 million) to support 180,000 people affected by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, and an additional appeal for 15 million Swiss francs (USD 18 million) to assist the Cuban Red Cross in supporting 100,000 people. This funding will strengthen MHPSS interventions across all response activities, ensuring that communities receive practical, emotional, and psychological support throughout the recovery process.Red Cross volunteers and specialists are providing essential mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) to adults and children affected by the hurricane. This includes psychological first aid, community-based support sessions, child-friendly activities, and referrals to specialized care when needed.Activities such as games, drawing, storytelling, music, movement, and breathing exercises support emotional expression and stress reduction. For those more deeply affected, focused group sessions offer grounding techniques, relaxation exercises, psychoeducation on common stress reactions, and safe spaces to share coping strategies and regain a sense of control. Parents also receive guidance to understand their children’s emotional needs and support healthy coping. Across all these actions, the goal is to restore safety, a sense of normalcy, and meaningful connection within the community.In Cuba, Red Cross teams are also distributing mosquito kits — an intervention that goes beyond disease prevention. By protecting families from mosquito bites and creating a safer sleeping environment, the kits help improve sleep hygiene, which is essential for emotional well-being and recovery after a traumatic event.Julio Martinez, Head of Psychosocial Support for the Cuban Red Cross, has been leading sessions with children in the community of El Aguacate. He describes how simple activities such as coloring help children express their emotions and begin to heal. “The colors reflect what the child feels in that moment. Children express themselves openly and clearly, and their drawings often reveal what is happening within the family,” he said.MHPSS is also central to building back stronger. “After the storm, people face difficult decisions— how to rebuild, return to work, and support their children,” Martinez added. “Resilience becomes essential, and psychosocial support is key to helping communities recover and rebuild that strength. No one emerges untouched; everyone is psychologically affected, so mental health cannot be overlooked.”In Cuba, Yaricel Martínez González experienced the effects of Hurricane Melissa firsthand. Before the storm, she was part of a community of fisherfolk.“To see everything we had achieved through years of effort and sacrifice collapse in just a few hours was deeply devastating for us,” mentions Yaricel. “My own mother would start crying every day at two in the morning, and I felt a knot in my throat, as if I couldn’t breathe. When something so drastic happens, you think you’ll never sleep again, never recover. But we are living proof that the techniques provided by the Red Cross do help. They taught us ways to breathe better, relieve stress, and sleep more peacefully. Even the children benefited, using drawings to express the sadness they felt from Melissa’s passing.”Note to editors:Visuals: Additional photos and video available here.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Panama:Maria Victoria Langman, +507 6550-1090Susana Arroyo Barrantes, +507 6999-3199In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367 Nora Peter, +36 70 953 7709 

Limited international support compromises recovery of population affected by Hurricane Melissa in Cuba

Santiago de Cuba/Panama/Geneva, 21 November 2025 - The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has warned that the humanitarian needs of the population affected by Hurricane Melissa in eastern Cuba are growing faster than the international support required to provide short- and medium-term humanitarian assistance.Three weeks after Melissa made landfall in Cuba, data from the Civil Defence and the United Nations System indicate that more than 2.2 million people were affected, mainly in the provinces of Santiago de Cuba, Granma and Holguín. In addition, the loss of more than 150,000 hectares of crops threatens food security, and damage to more than 155,000 homes exposes the population to the dengue, oropouche and chikungunya epidemics declared in the country. In addition, power cuts are limiting the operation of water plants and health services, especially in Santiago de Cuba, where 500,000 people still have no access to electricity."Countless families have lost everything: roofs, mattresses, food, animals, items that are essential for survival with well-being and dignity," said Carlos Pérez Díaz, executive president of the Cuban Red Cross. "From the very first minute, Cuban Red Cross teams have been travelling through the areas most affected by Melissa, distributing aid and offering psychosocial support, but our efforts fall short given the magnitude of the needs we encounter, especially in rural areas and in the coastal area where Melissa made landfall."The first 20 tonnes of aid from the IFRC, which arrived in Cuba by air on 2 November, have already been distributed in full by Cuban Red Cross volunteers. This shipment included kitchen, hygiene and rest kits, blankets, mosquito nets, solar lamps, plastic sheeting and tool kits. These items were delivered to families whose homes were destroyed, elderly people living alone, people with disabilities, and pregnant women or women with children or dependents in their care. "The pre-positioning of humanitarian supplies at our logistics hub in Panama allowed us to dispatch vital aid within the first 72 hours after Hurricane Melissa struck, and the organisational and coordination capacity of the Cuban Red Cross enabled us to distribute it in record time," said Cristian Torres Bermeo, IFRC Deputy Director for the Americas. "We have the experience, operational capacity and local presence necessary to reach the areas most in need, but we require more financial support to reach the thousands of families who still require urgent assistance and, as soon as conditions allow, to move on to the early recovery phase."On 31 October, the IFRC launched an emergency appeal requesting 15 million Swiss francs (18 million USD) to provide two years of emergency assistance, early recovery and long-term resilience support to 100,000 people. Contributions received by the organisation amount to only 16.3% of the required amount, while needs on the island continue to rise.The IFRC's international appeal will remain open for the next 24 months. Governments, businesses, foundations and even individuals can contribute resources that will enable communities to rebuild their homes, protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases, take care of their mental health, resume productive activities, rely on solar energy to cope with power cuts and prepare for the next hurricane season.The IFRC has a strong track record in implementing humanitarian operations in Cuba. Working hand in hand with the Cuban Red Cross – and its network of more than 35,000 volunteers – and in coordination with public authorities and national and international humanitarian actors, it has responded to dozens of hurricanes and storms, including Ian, Oscar, Rafael, Matthew, Irma and Sandy, always guided by its fundamental principles and with interventions based on needs assessments and dialogue with the affected communities. For further information or interviews, please write to [email protected] or contact In Santiago de CubaSusana Arroyo Barrantes, +507 69993199In PanamaMaría Victoria Langman, +507 65501090In GenevaNora Peter +36 70 953 7709

Climate of storms: New Red Vest podcast episode explores link between a warming world and a recent string of super storms

‘I can rise again’: They lost everything to Hurricane Melissa. But they are resilient and determined to rebuild.

From earthquake to typhoons: Philippines struggles against relentless catastrophes 

Manila/Kuala Lumpur, 10 November 2025 – The Philippines is grappling with an unprecedented humanitarian crisis as back-to-back disasters devastate communities already struggling to recover. In just over a month, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu, followed by Typhoon Kalmaegi (local name Tino), have left millions reeling. While on Sunday, Super Typhoon Fungwong (local name Uwan), passed over the country, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.In the face of these multiple humanitarian disasters, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched a revised Emergency Appeal, in support of the Philippine Red Cross, scaling up operations to assist 284,904 people across multiple provinces.The appeal seeks CHF 18 million (up from CHF 8 million) to provide emergency shelter, health and WASH services, and livelihood support. However, funding is critically low, threatening the ability to deliver life-saving aid.“Humanitarian needs are soaring, but resources are dwindling,” said Sanjeev Kafley, IFRC Head of Delegation for the Philippines. “Without urgent support, thousands will be left without shelter, clean water, or food. We cannot allow disaster fatigue to overshadow the suffering of millions.”“The resilience of communities is being tested to its absolute limits,” said Dr. Gwendolyn Pang, Secretary General of the Philippine Red Cross. “We were already supporting families who lost everything in the earthquake, and now hundreds of thousands more people have been displaced by flooding and landslides. With another storm approaching, the situation is dire.”The people of the Philippines have endured much in recent weeks. On 30 September, an earthquake struck Cebu, killing 79 people, injuring 559, and damaging more than 134,000 homes, including 7,295 completely destroyed. Infrastructure losses are estimated at ₱6.76 billion (CHF92.2 million), and over 747,000 individuals were affected, according to government figures.As families began piecing their lives back together, Typhoon Kalmaegi slammed into the same region and beyond, making eight landfalls across Visayas and Palawan between 4–5 November. The storm affected more than 2.4 million people and the number of dead, injured and missing continues to rise as more information comes in from affected provinces.More than 377,000 people are still in crowded evacuation centres or temporary shelters days after the typhoon moved on, while residual floodwaters with strong current and massive amounts of debris are hampering search and rescue efforts. Lifelines remain disrupted, with power outages in 156 municipalities and water interruptions in seven cities, heightening risks of disease outbreaks.And now the country is reeling from the aftermath of Super Typhoon Fungwong – the 21st tropical cyclone this year. As of 10 November, Fungwong has affected 230,000 families across the archipelago and killed two persons.The Philippines is prone to disasters, but this sequence of catastrophes is not routine - it is a stark reminder of the escalating climate and seismic risks faced by vulnerable nations. Urgent support is needed to scale up relief efforts, prevent further loss of life and support the country as it recovers from this latest disaster.Note to editors:Visuals: Additional photos and video available here.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] Manila: Ellie van Baaren, +63 960 665 9637In Kuala Lumpur: Afrhill Rances, +60 192 713 641 In Geneva: Scott Craig, +41 76 370 3575

‘You can’t capture it in pictures’: Hurricane Melissa leaves path of destruction in Western Jamaica

In a residential part of Westmoreland, a parish on the western point of Jamaica, Maceo Sibbles stands amid a swath of broken branches and fallen trees. Behind him, the trees that still stand are bent, twisted and stripped of their leaves and branches.“The damage has been catastrophic,” says Sibbles, who serves as director of the Westmoreland Branch of the Jamaica Red Cross. Hurricane Melissa, the strongest Hurricane to ever hit Jamaica – and the third largest storm to ever be recorded in the Caribbean – has caused widespread destruction across the west of the country.“You can’t capture it in pictures, not even videos, you need to see it with your own two eyes,” he says. “It’s really horrific.”There are some areas of Westmoreland that are still completely inaccessible, ten days after the hurricane made landfall. People are desperately in need of the most basic amenities, having had their entire lives shattered, blown into the wind.“We’ve had areas where the only thing left standing is the bathroom, the concrete bathroom that the person built. If it’s not concrete, it’s not there, everything else is flat."Maceo Sibbles, director of the Westmoreland Branch of the Jamaica Red Cross.“We’ve had areas where houses are primarily built with board and zinc and most of those are completely devastated,” Maceo says.“We are trying our best to reach out and get out into the communities but haven’t even gotten to the hills yet. We are getting reports of a lot of people have passed away due to the storm."‘Everyone is hurting’Jamaica Red Cross staff and volunteers are currently facing immense challenges reaching affected areas due to downed power lines, flooding, and impassable roads. It took some volunteers several days to even reach their local Red Cross branch office to support with humanitarian aid distribution, because the areas surrounding their homes were so badly damaged.“It took a lot of volunteers days to come out from where they were, getting through trees, getting through the downed powerlines on the roads,” Maceo says. “You can’t drive out, you have to walk out and then you’re dealing with water that is chest or waist height.”“We have people who are marooned. We can’t get to them because of the distance to the closest driving point and it’s hard to go there and pass everybody on the way who can’t go out for themselves.”Watch this interview with hurricane survivor Dwayne Francis:Needs are vast: Emergency funding triggered and appeals launchedDespite the difficulties, Red Cross teams have started distributing goods to affected communities, including food packages, water and items like tarpaulins, shelter kits, hygiene kits, cleaning kits and jerry cans.The needs are so vast it is impossible to reach everyone who needs support right now, so Maceo and his team are focusing on individuals and communities who are most vulnerable.“We have started distributing to the elderly, people who have small children and people with disabilities, physical challenges or mental challenges,” he says. “We have also distributed from a location in Savanna La Mar for people who can actually reach there, to get some of their supplies.To support the response to Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, the IFRC has launched an emergency appeal for 19 million Swiss francs and allocated 80,000 Swiss francs from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund in advance of the storm's arrival in order to support emergency preparations.Working togetherThe scale of this disaster requires a coordinated response, with the many actors on the ground. Agencies need to ensure they are working together and pooling their resources to work as efficiently and effectively as possible.“This is not the Red Cross only, it’s not the Ministry of Labour and Social Security only,”Maceo adds. “We’ve had World Central Kitchen come with hot meals, but everyone is chipping in little by little by little.“I know some people are getting impatient and we can’t ask them to be patient; we just have to get to them as soon as we can. And that’s what we’re trying to do, day by day. We are going to keep pushing.”In total, 881 shelters were activated across the island and are providing support to over 7,200 people. These shelters have largely been community halls, schools and churches, buildings that managed to withstand the force of the hurricane. Now, roughly 88 of these shelters remain active, with the Jamaican Red Cross managing eight of them.Community ResilienceMany of Maceo’s volunteers who are working tirelessly each day to provide food, supplies and other forms of help have also been badly affected. Despite their exhaustion and personal loss, they continue to support their neighbours.“I know some of my volunteers have been working from 6 in the morning until twelve midnight and they are exhausted,” Maceo says. “We are trying to rotate through as much as possible, so there is no burn out, but on the ground, we are working as hard as we can, to get to people who need help.“We have volunteers who are homeless right now. They are with somebody who may have gotten damaged and has pitched up part of their home to accommodate them.”Maceo Sibbles, director of the Westmoreland Branch of the Jamaica Red Cross.“We have volunteers who are homeless right now. They are with somebody who may have gotten damaged and has pitched up part of their home to accommodate them.”“A lot of our volunteers, when they go home, they are going home to darkness, to no water, to mud, going through several feet of water just to get home. Our volunteers push, our volunteers work hard, they are volunteering from the heart.”While Jamaica Red Cross volunteers are providing psychological support to people who are still living through a traumatic experience, they volunteers are also in need of psychosocial support.“We are going to be doing a lot of psychosocial first aid, because this hurricane shook a lot of people,” says Maceo. “I was in it personally. It was terrifying. For me, I don’t panic but I know my daughter was scared. It was like nothing I’ve ever seen before.”Another challenge communities worst hit by the Hurricane have been experiencing is telecommunication outages. There are many areas of the country that will be without power for weeks to come and so a network of satellite communication devices has started to emerge, spanning the length of the country. The Westmoreland branch has become a hub for one of these devices, called a Starlink.“We’ve had the Starlink here for two days,” Maceo explains. “It’s being used by the community. We run it on the generator. It has issues but we’re really thankful for it. With the Starlink people are able to reach out to family members but also get some entertainment, because you know psychosocial support and people’s wellbeing is important. People need to have time to decompress and breathe, to achieve some semblances of normal life. It’s really important.”Hopes and fearsThere are so many barriers to overcome and there will be bumps in the road to recovery. The true extent of the damage and secondary hazards are still being identified. One such area of concern for Maceo is waste management and sanitisation issues.“I am worried about the disposal of waste,” he says. “We already had a problem with garbage being picked pre-Melissa, but now you have human waste and bodily waste, where people are utilising public spaces because they don’t have anything else.“One of my greatest concerns is that it might turn into some kind of communicable disease. I think we need public education on the matter, and we need to figure out a way to help these people have better hygiene practices.“Right now, people are just surviving, and you can’t look at a person whose surviving and tell them they need to do something different. We need to come up with a better option.”In terms of his hopes, Maceo has faith that his country will recover. Jamaican people are resilient and if we can garner enough support from the international community, there will be a light at the end of the tunnel, he says.“My hope is that we can build better, that we can do what needs to be done, so everybody gets the help that they need. I believe that we can do it, but we must get a lot of support,” he says.

15 days of action: Well before Hurricane Melissa struck, the Red Cross was on full alert, helping people get ready. Now, they’re at the heart of the response

For the people who lived through Hurricane Melissa, it was a storm like no other they had ever experienced.Melissa made landfall in southwestern Jamaica on 28 October as a Category 5 hurricane, with winds exceeding 160 mph, making it the most severe storm to hit the island in known history. Then, itmoved eastward towards Cuba, where it struck twelve hours later as a Category 3 hurricane.Fortunately, the severity of the hurricane was not entirely unexpected. Thanks to forecasts, the Red Cross network in the region had already begun preparing for the storm. A week before landfall, when the first weather forecasts showed the formation of Hurricane Melissa and its possible paths in the central Caribbean, the Red Cross was already active, coordinating with local groups and agencies, warning the communities and helping them prepare, and placing critical supplies in places where they were likely to be needed most. Local Red Cross teams in Cuba, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Haiti, activated their contingency plans and began preparing communities for what would become one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic. The damage in Jamaica was devastating. The government estimates that losses amount to around 30 percent of the national GDP. Flooding destroyed roads and damaged crops, leaving more than 70 percent of the population without electricity. Around 7,200 people sought shelter in the 881shelters that were opened across the country, eight of which are still being managed by the Jamaican Red Cross.“It was very traumatic. I lost my storeroom, my shed down there, and the water in the gully was rising. When I peeped through the window and saw the kind of breeze along with the rain, it was very traumatic,” says Mr. Lawrence, Doctor, former Emergency Chair for the Red Cross St Elizabeth branch. “As you can see, all my fruit trees have died. The fish that I feed every morning they turned over, they all swam away.”In Cuba, winds of up to 195 km/h and heavy rainfall caused rivers to overflow and triggered landslides, interrupting basic services. It is estimated that 2.2 million people have been severely affected.“We were not able to arrive to Santiago because the road is blocked by what is full of water,” said Nicolás Segura, IFRC’s Disaster Response Coordinator for the Latin Caribbean.“We were able to see a lot of damage, a lot of devastation, a lot of dead animals on the road and also a couple of road accidents and people trying to get to their houses, trying to recover everything.”Anticipatory action saves livesIn Jamaica, the Red Cross launched preventive measures in eight high-risk parishes, supported by the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF). Volunteers visited at-risk communities to disseminate early warning messages, prepared shelters and distributed essential items.. Thanks to these measures, more than 300 people and five institutions received essential non-food items and preparedness support well before the storm made landfall.Meanwhile, the Cuban Red Cross activated its contingency plan for hydrometeorological events, deploying staff and volunteers to vulnerable areas. They reinforced community communications, checked evacuation centres and pre-positioned humanitarian aid kits and rescue equipment in provinces such as Granma, Santiago de Cuba and Holguín. This advance preparation meant that, when Melissa finally made landfall, both National Societies were ready to respond immediately without wasting any critical time. From day one, teams on both islands have been working tirelessly. The Jamaica Red Cross mobilised 400 volunteers and immediately distributed 750 blankets, 250 cleaning kits, 250 hygiene kits, 250 shelter tool kits and 500 tarpaulins. In Cuba, specialised brigades have supported evacuations, rescued over 500 people, and provided psychosocial support to families in crisis.International appeals for recovery supportThe scale of the disaster has prompted the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to launch two emergency appeals to strengthen operations in both countries. The emergency appeal in Jamaica aims to raise 19 million Swiss francs (US$23 million) to assist 180,000 people over the next two years. The operation will provide shelter, livelihoods, and cashassistance, helping families rebuild safely and recover with dignity.Special attention will be given to single mothers, families with young children or older adults, and people with disabilities. All interventions will be guided by protection, gender inclusion and community engagement and accountability, ensuring that assistance is fair and transparent, and helping communities prepare for future climate crises. In Cuba, the emergency appeal aims to raise CHF 15 million (USD 18 million) to support 100,000 people in the worst-affected provinces. The operation combines emergency relief, early recovery, and long-term resilience, helping families rebuild homes, restore safe water, and recover their health and livelihoods.This two-year appeal invests in climate-resilient reconstruction. Families will receive roofing kits, tools, and training in safe, sustainable building techniques, along with solar-powered water systems to secure clean water even when power fails. The goal: help communities recover today and then have what they need to resist tomorrow’s storms.Active global networkIn the seven days following the storm, the Red Cross's global network delivered over 180 tonnes of humanitarian supplies to the Caribbean. These included shelter kits, cleaning kits, kitchen sets, hygiene kits, jerry cans, buckets and blankets. On Sunday, 2 November, an IFRC charter flight landed in Santiago de Cuba with the first 20 tons of humanitarian aid for those affected by Hurricane Melissa. 'We are in the warehouses where we have our 20-tonne load of humanitarian aid that arrived recently. Our objective is to check it and establish distribution guidelines', said Luis Enrique Calderón Rodríguez on 4 November. He is the Head of Operations and Rescue at the Cuban Red Cross. 'We have already verified that the loads are ready and that we can begin delivering to families today.'This shipmentenables the Cuban Red Cross to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to 1,500 people in the most affected areas, including kitchen kits, hygiene kits, bedding, blankets, mosquito nets, solar lamps, shelter tool kits and plastic sheeting.In Jamaica, 160 tons of Red Cross humanitarian aid arrived in the seven days following Melissa's landfall. Shipments reinforce local distribution, enabling thousands of families to receive hygiene, cleaning, and cooking items in the early days of the emergency. These actions were made possible by international solidarity. The Canadian Red Cross, the French Red Cross's Regional Intervention Platform of the Americas-Caribbean (PIRAC) and the IFRC's Regional Logistics Centre in Panama coordinated the shipment of supplies by air and sea to ensure aid reached those most in need quickly. Volunteers from the Cuban and Jamaican Red Cross Societies, meanwhile, are still extremely busy throughout the region, carrying out damage and needs assessments, distributing emergency supplies, cleaning up and providing emotional support.Helping people cope with shock and lossNot all the support being provided comes in the form of physical goods or supplies.There is a strong and widespread need for psychosocial support in the worst-affected communities, including among Red Cross members. Volunteers and staff have been working tirelessly for days. Some volunteers have seen their homes completely destroyed.“We recognise that there is a very real and strong need for health services, medical care, and psychosocial support,” said Ruth Howard to BBC on October 31, Howard is the Deputy Public Relations Chair for the Jamaica Red Cross. “The psychosocial support is essential, because this has been one of the most traumatic events that many of our people have ever experienced in their lives,” she continued.Yet they continue to support those most in need, demonstrating that Red Cross help begins in communities. Every kit delivered, every safe evacuation and every hug of support is made possible by these dedicated volunteers. Hurricane Melissa reminded us once again that preparedness saves lives. The anticipatory actions implemented before the storm made landfall proved their effectiveness, making the difference between total devastation and resilience. Over the next months, the IFRC and the National Societies of Jamaica and Cuba will continue to collaborate to bolster community resilience in the face of future climate events.

20 tons of IFRC humanitarian aid arrive in Santiago de Cuba following Hurricane Melissa 

Geneva/La Habana/Panama City, 2 November 2025 – A charter flight from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) landed in Santiago de Cuba on Sunday, 2 November, carrying the first 20 tons of humanitarian aid for people affected by Hurricane Melissa.The shipment, capable of providing urgent humanitarian assistance to 1,500 people, arrived at 3:00 p.m. local time from Tocumen International Airport in Panama City. The cargo includes kitchen, hygiene, and bedding kits, blankets, mosquito nets, solar lamps, shelter tools kits, and plastic sheeting, which the Cuban Red Cross will distribute in the hardest hit areas.The hygiene kits contain essential items such as soap, toothbrushes, shampoo, menstrual hygiene products, towels, and toilet paper, all designed to help families maintain their health and personal care after the storm. Together with the mosquito nets, these supplies are crucial to prevent disease in areas where access to water and sanitation services has been disrupted.The bedding kits include items such as sheets and pillows, helping families who lost their homes rest more comfortably in temporary shelters. Complementing these efforts, the shelter tools will support the cleaning and reconstruction tasks, and the kitchen kits will provide cooking and serving utensils for five people. Together, these kits support daily life, health, and recovery.“While the Cuban Red Cross continues to support rescue efforts, damage assessments, and psychosocial assistance, the IFRC has activated all its international support mechanisms to mobilize aid in record time,” said Marianna Kuttothara, IFRC Head of Health, Disasters and Crises for the Americas. “Just three days after Hurricane Melissa, humanitarian supplies were ready for dispatch and will now be distributed with humanity and commitment to those most in need.”This rapid delivery of aid was made possible thanks to the IFRC’s prepositioned humanitarian stock at its Humanitarian Hub in Panama, where the organization stores enough relief items to assist 20,000 people within 48 to 72 hours after a disaster.These first 20 tons of relief are part of the IFRC’s broader effort to ensure a fast, high-quality humanitarian response. They complement the recently launched Emergency Appeal for 15 million Swiss francs (approximately USD 18 million), aimed at supporting 100,000 people in Cuba over the next two years.This humanitarian operation combines immediate response efforts—such as the distribution of essential items and search and rescue operations—with early recovery and long-term resilience, helping families rebuild their homes, restore access to safe water, and recover their health and livelihoods.Pictures of the cargo available here: https://shared.ifrc.org/collections/~df43f74ef9For more information, please contact: [email protected] In Panama: Susana Arroyo Barrantes, +507 6999-3199   María Victoria Langman, +507 6550-1090 In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367Nora Peter, +36 70 953 7709

IFRC sends first 64 tons of humanitarian aid to Jamaica after the passage of Hurricane Melissa

Panama City, November 1, 2025 – The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has dispatched the first 64 tons of humanitarian aid to Jamaica to support communities affected by Hurricane Melissa.The first shipment, totaling 34 tons, departed on a charter flight from Tocumen International Airport in Panama City to Kingston on Saturday at 2 p.m. local time. The cargo, sent by the Red Cross, includes 1,500 shelter kits, 1,000 solar lamps, and 3,500 plastic tarpaulins.The shelter kits contain essential tools such as hammers, saws, nails, and wire, allowing families to repair or rebuild damaged structures and set up temporary shelters using local materials. Along with the tarpaulins, these items help people who have lost their homes regain safety, privacy, and dignity after the hurricane.The solar lamps, which can be used for both lighting and charging electronic devices, will enable affected families to move safely at night and maintain autonomy. They can also use the lamps to charge their phones and stay connected with their loved ones.“After focusing on preparedness and early action before Hurricane Melissa’s landfall, our teams in Jamaica are now conducting damage assessments, managing shelters, and distributing the relief items we had prepositioned in the country,” said Marianna Kuttothara, IFRC Health, Disaster and Crisis Head for the Americas. “This new shipment from Panama will help ensure that more people quickly receive the essential items they need to protect their health, clean and rehabilitate their homes, and restore their well-being.”In addition to the air shipment, another 30 tons of humanitarian supplies are already en route to Jamaica by sea, aboard a vessel that departed from Panama on Wednesday, October 29. This cargo includes tarpaulins, shelter toolkits, cleaning kits, kitchen sets, plastic jerrycans for water storage, buckets, blankets, and other essential household items.These first 64 tons are part of IFRC’s efforts to ensure a fast and effective humanitarian response. The organization has also launched an emergency appeal for 19 million Swiss francs (approximately 23 million U.S. dollars) to assist 180,000 people over the next two years.This rapid deployment of aid is possible thanks to IFRC’s prepositioning strategy. At the Panamanian government’s Regional Logistics Centre for Humanitarian Assistance in Panama City, the IFRC operates a humanitarian hub stocked with essential relief items ready for immediate distribution. From this location, the organization can provide assistance to up to 60,000 people within the first days following a hurricane’s impact.For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] In Panama:Susana Arroyo Barrantes, +507 6999-3199   María Victoria Langman, +507 6550-1090  In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367Nora Peter, +36 70 953 7709

Cuba: IFRC launches emergency appeal to assist 100,000 people affected by Hurricane Melissa while arbovirus outbreak risk rises

Geneva/Panama City/Havana, 31 October 2025 – The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an emergency appeal for 15 million Swiss francs (USD 18 million) to support the Cuban Red Cross in assisting 100,000 people affected by Hurricane Melissa and the ongoing arbovirus outbreak in the country.The IFRC Emergency Appeal for Cuba will run for two years, focusing on lifesaving assistance, early recovery, and long-term resilience in the wake of Hurricane Melissa. Ranked among the three strongest hurricanes in Cuba’s meteorological history, Melissa made landfall in southeastern Cuba on 28 October, impacting communities across eight eastern provinces and compounding an existing public health emergency linked to the country’s arbovirus outbreak.“Our volunteers have been on the front lines since before the storm, helping with preventive evacuations, public awareness campaigns, and psychosocial support. They have rescued people trapped by rising rivers and continue to provide lifesaving assistance to those who have lost everything,” said Carlos Pérez Díaz, Executive President of the Cuban Red Cross. “Now, we will focus on delivering vital relief items while ensuring access to health care and psychosocial support.”“This emergency appeal is essential to raise the funds needed to help the Cuban people,” said Jagan Chapagain, IFRC Secretary General. “Hurricane Melissa has left immense devastation in its wake. It will take months, perhaps years, for people to rebuild their lives.”Before the storm hit, the Cuban Red Cross pre-positioned and dispatched 1,000 family relief kits from Havana to secure warehouses in the eastern provinces, ensuring aid would be close to communities likely to be affected. These kits, containing essential household items such as hygiene supplies, blankets, and kitchen sets, are now ready for rapid distribution to evacuated families in shelters and affected households as soon as conditions allow.The IFRC Emergency Appeal will support 100,000 people through a response that combines emergency relief and early recovery. Families whose homes were damaged or destroyed will receive shelter toolkits, mattresses, blankets, kitchen sets, and solar lamps to enhance living conditions.Preventing and reducing disease transmission associated with hurricane damage and the concurrent arbovirus outbreak will also be a priority. In the aftermath of the storm, cases of Dengue, Oropouche, and Chikungunya are likely to rise. The Red Cross will work closely with the Ministry of Public Health to strengthen surveillance, ensure safe water and sanitation, and restore essential health services through mobile and auxiliary units.Environmental health measures — such as waste removal, cleaning of water systems, and vector-control campaigns — will help reduce secondary impacts and protect communities.The IFRC appeal will also prioritize household water treatment and hygiene promotion, the distribution of water-treatment kits and hygiene supplies, and the rehabilitation of community water systems. The installation of solar-powered or gravity-fed water pumps will help guarantee continuous access to safe water in areas where electricity remains unreliable. As conditions allow, the operation will transition to recovery and climate-resilient reconstruction, supporting the repair and rebuilding of homes with roofing kits, tools, and training on safe and sustainable construction techniques. Hurricane Melissa has struck communities still recovering from Hurricane Oscar, which severely affected eastern Cuba in October 2024. Homes and infrastructure were still under repair when this new disaster struck, leaving families with little time to recover.“For decades, the IFRC has worked hand in hand with the Cuban Red Cross and its strong network of highly trained volunteers, responding effectively to hurricanes like Ian, Sandy, and Oscar — and now Melissa — each time standing side by side with communities to protect lives and livelihoods,” said Loyce Pace, IFRC Regional Director for the Americas. “Our appeal builds on that shared experience — a partnership grounded in trust, humanity, and the determination to help where it’s needed most.”For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] In Panama:Susana Arroyo Barrantes, +507 6999-3199   María Victoria Langman, +507 6550-1090 In Geneva:Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367Nora Peter, +36 70 953 7709

5 things you need to know about storms and hurricanes

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is still active in the Americas. Meteorologists, disaster management experts and public authorities are keeping a close eye on hurricane Melissa, the 13th storm of the year, which is currently moving slowly towards Jamaica.Out of the 19 storms forecast this year, 13 have formed. Four of those became hurricanes categorised as either 1 or 2. Three of these reached major hurricane status, meaning Category 3 or higher.But how much do we really know about how storms and hurricanes form, their characteristics, and how to prepare for them? Below, we answer five of the most common questions about storms and hurricanes.️️1. What is the difference between a tropical storm and a hurricane?Both are part of the same system: the tropical cyclone. This is defined as a low-pressure system that rotates counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere.The intensity varies. A tropical storm is characterized by winds of between 63 and 118 km/h, whereas a hurricane is characterized by winds exceeding 119 km/h.These phenomena have different names depending on where they develop:Cyclones when they occur in the waters of Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean.Typhoons occur in the waters of East Asia and the Pacific.Hurricanes occur in the Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico or the Caribbean Sea.Each type is associated with a season that can last up to seven months a year.A major hurricane does not need to form in order to endanger people's lives. The rain and winds caused by a single storm can pose a threat to people's health and well-being, and even to their survival, particularly in communities where climate change, poverty, misinformation and previous disasters increase population vulnerability.In 2024, storms were classified as the second most frequent type of disaster worldwide, recorded in the EM-DAT database, affecting 29.5 million people globally.Due to a combination of geographic, climatic, political and socioeconomic factors, countries such as Haiti, Cuba, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, the Bahamas and Antigua and Barbuda are particularly vulnerable in the Americas.Countries affected by Hurricane Beryl in 2024, such as Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, also entered the 2025 season while still recovering.2. How do storms and hurricanes form?They form over the sea. For this phenomenon to occur, the ocean water must be warm, with a temperature above 26°C. When warm, moist air rises, the vapour releases heat, strengthening the system and causing it to grow. If humidity and wind conditions are favourable, the system can grow into a hurricane.An eye forms in the centre of the hurricane, creating an apparent calm. Meanwhile, dense clouds and intense winds form around it in an area known as the eyewall. The spiralling clouds release large amounts of water, which can cause flooding and landslides.Hurricanes are driven by wind and follow paths that can vary depending on the direction and speed of currents at different levels of the atmosphere. When they make landfall, they lose the heat from the ocean — their source of energy — and begin to weaken.We must pay close attention not only to the number of hurricanes forecast but also to how rapidly they intensify.Rapid intensification—defined as an increase in wind speed of 35 mph or more within 24 hours—has become more common due to warmer ocean temperatures fueled by climate change.This sudden strengthening leaves little time for preparation, increasing the risk of catastrophic damage and loss of life. Notable examples include Hurricane Otis in 2023, which escalated from a tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in less than a day before striking Mexico's Pacific coast.3. Why are storms and hurricanes named?Names make it easy to identify each storm. Naming storms is the fastest way to issue alerts and prepare the population.The World Meteorological Organization has lists of names that are reused every six years. These lists are arranged in alphabetical order, with male and female names taken in turns. If a hurricane causes significant destruction, its name is retired.Names make it easier to track and analyze each storm, particularly when several are active at the same time. They also facilitate historical record-keeping and help avoid confusion among meteorological personnel, the media, emergency response agencies and the general public.When compiling lists of names, certain factors are taken into consideration.They should be short.They should be easy to pronounce.They should have an appropriate meaning in different languages.They should be unique: the same names cannot be used in other regions.4. How predictable are hurricanes?Thanks to weather forecasts, we can anticipate the arrival of storms and hurricanes and prepare before disasters strike.Technology enables us to track their path and speed across the sea with great accuracy. Hurricane Melissa, for example, is moving slowly, which means it poses a greater risk. The slower a storm or hurricane moves, the longer communities in its path will suffer strong winds and heavy rain. Rather than lasting a few hours, these conditions could persist for days, causing flooding or landslides. This is why it is crucial for communities to complete their preparations before conditions deteriorate. It is important to combine forecasts with risk analysis to take early action in anticipation of hurricanes rather than simply responding to events as they happen.The Red Cross, governments, communities and other humanitarian organisations can act before a disaster strikes by implementing early warning systems and evacuation protocols and carrying out drills, or by strategically placing humanitarian aid to ensure its rapid delivery to affected areas in the event of an emergency.This approach enables us to anticipate disasters, minimise their impact, and prevent suffering, loss of life and loss of livelihoods.5. What should I do before, during and after a hurricane?Before hurricane season begins, it is important to familiarise yourself with the risks in your area and develop an evacuation plan for your family and community. Identify the nearest shelters and map out safe routes. Make sure that everyone in your household knows what to do in an emergency.To reinforce your home's structure, make sure the roof is securely fastened, install shutters, clean the gutters and trim any branches that could fall. You should also prepare supplies such as drinking water, non-perishable food, torches, medicines and a first-aid kit.Once a hurricane warning or advisory has been issued, be prepared to evacuate if the local authorities instruct you to do so. Secure important documents in waterproof bags and place valuables in high places. Fill your car's petrol tank when it is half empty, in case you need to evacuate.During the hurricane, stay informed through official media outlets and follow the authorities' instructions. If you are staying at home, reinforce your doors and windows and stay away from them. Seek shelter in an interior room without windows.Bring pets inside, unplug small appliances and, if instructed, turn off the electricity, gas and water supplies.Do not be fooled by the calm in the eye of the hurricane; stay safe until the authorities confirm that the danger has passed.After the hurricane has passed, check for injuries and provide first aid, but do not move seriously injured people unless they are in danger.Avoid damaged buildings and downed power lines, as these can cause electrocution. Do not consume water or food that may be contaminated and maintain good hygiene.Support your neighbours and only participate in clean-up and recovery efforts when it is safe to do so. Stay informed about new alerts or secondary risks, such as flooding or landslides.

Cuba: Hurricane Melissa

Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the Caribbean, has devastated eastern Cuba with torrential rains, massive flooding and winds up to 295 km/h. Homes have collapsed, communities are isolated, and hundreds of thousands have lost access to safe water and electricity. Meanwhile, an ongoing arbovirus outbreak worsens health risks. The Cuban Red Cross is providing emergency shelter, safe water, health and psychosocial support, while also working to prevent the spread of infectious diseases spread. Urgent help is needed to reach more families. Donate now to help the Cuban Red Cross provide life-saving assistance.

Jamaica: Hurricane Melissa 

Hurricane Melissa — the strongest storm in Jamaica’s history — has devastated communities across the island, bringing winds of up to 280 km/h, as well as torrential rains and storm surges that left homes destroyed, roads blocked, and thousands displaced. Nearly 1.9 million people are affected, with many families trapped or living in makeshift shelters as flooding and landslides continue.The Jamaica Red Cross, supported by the IFRC, is providing emergency shelter, food, clean water, and cash assistance. But urgent support is needed to reach more people and scale up recovery efforts.Donate now to help the Jamaica Red Cross provide life-saving assistance

Jamaica: IFRC launches emergency appeal in response to Hurricane Melissa. Aid distribution is well under way

Geneva/Panama City/Kingston, 30 October 2025 – The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an emergency appeal for 19 million Swiss francs (USD 23 million) to assist 180,000 people affected by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica over the next 24 months.The storm made landfall in southwestern Jamaica, near New Hope, on 28 October as a Category 5 hurricane — the third strongest ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean. Across Jamaica, more than 77 percent of the population is without electricity, and around 6,000 people remain in emergency shelters, many of whom have lost their homes or livelihoods.“Hurricane Melissa has left immense devastation in its wake – the situation is beyond catastrophic. People lost their lives, homes have been destroyed, and critical infrastructure has been damaged. We don’t yet know the full extent of the damage, but our teams on the ground are already seeing a massive need for shelter, food, water and health services including blood donation and psychological first aid,” said Jagan Chapagain, IFRC Secretary General.Over the next two years, money raised through the IFRC Emergency Appeal will enable humanitarian assistance across ten of the most affected parishes, combining immediate relief with long-term recovery and resilience-building. Shelter repair and reconstruction, livelihood recovery, and cash or in-kind support will also help families restore stability and safety.“Our teams have been working for more than a week to prepare for Melissa’s arrival — setting up shelters, pre-positioning relief items near high-risk areas, and helping communities get ready for the storm,” said Yvonne Clarke, Jamaica Red Cross Director General. “Now it is time to respond and ensure that those most affected have what they need to start rebuilding their lives, while also making sure communities are better prepared for future storms.”Health and water interventions will ensure access to safe drinking water, hygiene supplies, and medical care for thousands of people. At the same time, mental health and psychosocial support will accompany families and responders coping with loss and trauma. Rehabilitation of damaged health facilities and clean-up campaigns will help restore essential services and strengthen local capacities to withstand future shocks.As this appeal is launched, humanitarian aid is already on the move. The Jamaica Red Cross has mobilized 400 volunteers and released pre-positioned stocks of blankets, cleaning and hygiene kits, shelter toolkits, and tarpaulins to support the most affected families.Additional IFRC relief supplies for 2,300 people, including cleaning kits for over 800 households, are ready for deployment, and a 28-ton charter flight from the IFRC humanitarian hub in Panama is ready to depart carrying kitchen sets, blankets, jerrycans, and hygiene supplies for 1,800 families.Melissa struck just 16 months after Hurricane Beryl, leaving communities with little time to recover from previous losses. The IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) had already allocated 80,000 Swiss francs before Melissa’s landfall to enable early action, including the pre-positioning of supplies and the preparation of shelters. This anticipatory approach helped reduce the storm’s humanitarian toll, proving once again that acting early saves lives.“The strength of this response lies in Jamaica itself — in the deep bond between the Red Cross and the communities it serves,” said Loyce Pace, IFRC Regional Director for the Americas. “Our appeal is meant to complement local efforts, acknowledging that rebuilding resilience takes a village, especially in times of climate crisis."We’ll be here for the long road ahead — supporting life-saving assistance while laying the groundwork for long-term recovery, acting local, and making sure the world doesn’t forget what affected communities need.”For more information or to request an interview, please contact: [email protected] In Panama: Susana Arroyo Barrantes, +507 6999-3199   María Victoria Langman, +507 6550-1090  In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367Nora Peter, +36 70 953 7709

Jamaica: Hours before Melissa makes landfall, preparation is the only way forward

Hurricane Melissais expected to make landfall in Jamaica as a major Category 4 or 5 hurricane – the first storm of this magnitude to hit Jamaica in known history.“We're expecting hurricane conditions starting tomorrow, later into this evening and a part of tomorrow,”says Esther Pinnock, Communications Officer for Jamaica Red Cross. “Heavy rainfall will be experienced.”Pinnock was speaking on Sunday 26 October, a day before the storm’s earliest predicted landfall. Forecasters expect Melissa to make landfall on Monday 27 October or Tuesday 28 October.“Some sections of the island are already experiencing this rainfall and gusty winds," Pinnock continued. "Based on the trajectory and expectation of the hurricane, we know that there are already some areas, those that we would have already intervened in, like Portland Cottage, Rocky Point and areas of Saint Catherine that are vulnerable."Melissa will make landfall in Jamaica while communities are still recovering from Hurricane Beryl. This storm is expected to impact the country just 16 months after Hurricane Beryl devastated farming and fishing communities and caused USD 204 million in damage. Coastal households are still recovering financially and lack the resources to prepare for another storm.Flooding is expected to be worse than Beryl, due to Melissa’s slow movement and antecedent moisture from inclement weather over the past weeks. Low-lying areas remain highly vulnerable to storm surges and flooding, while Kingston's informal settlements face significant risks of wind damage.Local Red Cross teams across Jamaica are already on the ground — taking early action, supporting alerts and evacuations, and positioning relief for the most at-risk families.Jamaica Red Cross is coordinating and receiving data from theJamaica Information Service of the known vulnerable areas, and the local teams anticipate that there will be severe events to which the Red Cross will have to respond.Staff and volunteers are prepared to immediately replenish distributed supplies and complement emergency stock, conduct damage and needs assessments to identify critical needs, operate emergency shelters for displaced populations, and establish feedback and complaint mechanisms to ensure accountability to affected communities.“We will also be collecting information on persons who may be stranded and making those connections with the necessary entities as we get such reports”, Pinnock adds.“I also want to be highlighting to the public that after the storm passes, we're going to be talking about our Restoring Family Links service and how that can be accessed.”The IFRC has since launched an emergency appeal for 19 million Swiss francs to support the Jamaican Red Cross emergency response and recovery efforts.Powered by forecasts and early action, the Jamaica Red Cross has been mobilized for a week ahead of Melissa. With 165,000 people potentially at risk across the parishes of Saint Elizabeth, Manchester, Clarendon, Saint Catherine, Saint Andrew, Kingston, Saint Thomas, and Portland, the IFRC Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF) has allocated CHF 80,000 for imminent action.These funds have allowed our local teams to activatevolunteers, preposition relief supplies, and support alerts and evacuations. In schools, community centres, and places of worship across the eight targeted parishes, the Red Cross has supported the preparation of emergency shelters in the days and hours leading up to Melissa's anticipated arrival. Local Red Cross teams have also pre-positioned emergency supplies—including 250 shelter kits, 250 hygiene kits, 250 cleaning kits, tarps, drinking water, and other essential items—in local branches and designated shelters before the storm arrives.Additionally, trained volunteers have been deployed with necessary communication equipment, transportation, safety gear, and visibility items. As storms and hurricanes like Melissa intensify faster and response time shrinks, investing in anticipation saves lives and resources. Acting before disaster strikes makes every dollar and every minute count.

Ahead of Hurricane Melissa's imminent arrival in the Caribbean, local Red Cross teams are mobilising

Torrential rain and intense winds from Hurricane Melissa threaten hundreds of thousands of people in the central Caribbean. The National Red Cross Societies in Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are fully operational, providing support to the communities most at risk in the form of preparedness and early response measures.In Cuba, the Cuban Red Cross is helping with preventive evacuations, offering psychosocial support, and helping families to get back in touch with each other.Psychological support in the face of a hurricane threat is essential for effective disaster management. It helps the population move from paralyzing fear to active preparedness and a resilient mindset, saving lives and promoting better long-term psychological recovery by providing a sense of calm, control, and human connection.'All hands on deck'In Haiti, the Haitian Red Cross has activated the Jérémie Emergency Operations Centre and is coordinating preparedness measures with local authorities. Volunteers are disseminating preventive messages to inform families how to protect themselves in the event of an impact.In Jamaica, where more than 165,000 people are at risk, the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF) has allocated 80,000 Swiss francs for anticipatory action, including pre-positioning vital supplies, preparing shelters, and strengthening community response capacity.“Right now, we are in full operations mode," says Horace Glance, deputy operations manager for the Jamaican Red Cross. "All 13 branches and all staff have been activated since last Wednesday. It’s all-hands-on-deck, all systems go.”“If the forecast holds true, and we do have a category 4 hurricane bearing down on us, it’s going to be a huge event for Jamaica,” Glance said in an interview with ABC News (see the full video below) on Sunday 26. “We’ve never had such a major hurricane coming across the island, making landfall and its eye passing over us.“So the usual things such as landslides, as well as coastal, riveraine and urban flooding, would be expected but it’s going to be a lot more with an event this size in terms of the volume of water ... as well as more severe winds than we’ve ever experienced.”In the Dominican Republic, volunteers from the San Pedro branch have carried out rescues and preventive evacuations in flood-affected communities, as well as helping to transfer patients from the local hospital to safer medical centres. Preparation and early action are crucial in a region that is highly vulnerable to the effects of storms and hurricanes. The rapid intensification of these phenomena, exacerbated by climate change, reduces reaction time and increases the risk of human and material losses. While climate change and climate-related disasters and hazards can affect anyone, their effects are not felt equally by all. In North America, Central America and the Caribbean, it is the most vulnerable groups — women, children, displaced people, indigenous communities and those affected by violence, poverty and discrimination — who are at the greatest risk from hurricanes and storms. This is why the IFRC and its network of National Societies work to take action before disasters strike, combining weather forecasts with risk analysis, strengthening early warning systems and positioning humanitarian aid in strategic locations. In response to the 2025 hurricane season and beyond, the Red Cross network is continuing to strengthen community resilience in over 28 countries by integrating science, local knowledge, and solidarity to protect communities from the growing risks posed by climate change.

Hurricanes in sight: the Red Cross scales up training and preparedness

With the Americas region now well into the 2025 hurricane season, Red Cross teams in the region have been busy working alongside communities to prepare for what forecasters say will be yet another above-normal storm season.But even an average hurricane season can have devastating consequences for the people, as all it takes is one storm to affect entire towns and cities. That is why Red Cross preparedness work was already well underway even before this year’s forecast.The National Societies of Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador are among the most vulnerable to these extreme events due to their geographical location. The scale of the preparedness work now going on across the Americas is largely due to the experience with extremely devastating storms in the past – in particular Hurricane Mitch in 1998.Hurricane Mitch’s devastating passage left more than 11,000 people dead and millions affected, marking a turning point in the way National Societies in the region prepare for such extreme events. For people involved in emergency response and risk reduction, the storm was a game changer.Two decades later, in 2020, hurricanes Eta and Iota affected more than seven million people, most of them — more than four million — in Honduras, Nicaragua, and Guatemala, the countries that had also been hardest hit by Mitch.But the results were different. In the time between one tragedy and another, the region and humanitarian organizations prepared in advance with response plans, training, drills, and institutional strengthening to reduce the impact of these disasters. This allowed the number of fatalities from Eta and Iota to be much lower than that of Mitch.From Mexico to South America, many National Societies have transformed the terrible experience of Hurricane Mitch into concrete action. Their mission: to be better prepared each year to respond more quickly and effectively to the arrival of potential hurricanes.Here are just a few of the many ways Red Cross National Societies in the region are working to get ahead of the storms and help communities prepare.Salvadoran Red Cross: Pre-positioning of humanitarian aid and access to weather forecastsThe Salvadoran Red Cross has contingency and response plans, which allow for more agile responses to extreme rainfall and landslides caused by tropical storms and hurricanes. According to Omar Ayala, Head of Crisis and Disasters at the Salvadoran Red Cross, the National Society has pre-positioned materials for humanitarian aid in its branches, guided by the nationalHazards Observatory’s forecasts.“This strategy has significantly reduced response times: what could previously take up to two days, is now done in just two hours,” assures Omar. Furthermore, in the context of monitoring and early warning, the Salvadoran Red Cross has recently signed a letter of understanding with the Hazards Observatory: “This agreement allows us to access weather forecasts early to be better prepared for the eventual arrival of a hurricane,” says Omar.In preparation for this and the coming hurricane seasons, the National Society wants to promote the preventive outreach of populations in at-risk areas even more, so they know what to do before, during and after a hurricane strikes.Honduran Red Cross: Early Warning Systems and strategic alliancesIn Honduras, Red Cross teams has invested in technical training for volunteers and staff in topics such as water rescue, pre-hospital care, cash transfer systems, water, sanitation and hygiene, and unmanned aerial systems.The Honduran Red Cross also highlights its investment inEarly Warning Systems (EWS) (specific measures guided by early warnings or forecasts to protect people before a disaster strikes), implemented in watersheds such as Chamelecón and Aguán."The experience withTropical Storm Sara, the last of the 2024 hurricane season, which affected more than 300,000 people in Honduras, showed the value of communities taking ownership of these early warning systems to ensure that the vulnerable populations receive the necessary information in time. That preparedness saved lives," says Manuel Isaula, risk and disaster manager for the Honduran Red Cross..Another good practice in the face of tropical Storm Sara was establishing strategic alliances with national and international actors: “Effective coordination between government, non-government, and community organizations to ensure the appropriation of knowledge, risk analysis, monitoring, and response capacity was and will always be key in our preparedness and response plans,” Isaula concludes.Guatemalan Red Cross: Development of Anticipatory Actions and Contingency PlansTeresa Marroquín, Director of Risk and Disaster Management at the Guatemalan Red Cross, says the National Society has strengthened its hurricane response capacity through several key actions –In particular the development of “early-action plans” that lay out key steps to take before the storms make landfall.“Early Action Plans (EAPs) funded by the IFRC have been developed to respond to flooding caused by extreme storms,”Marroquin says. “One successful example was the activation of Early Actions Plans duringTropical Storm Julia in October 2022, which helped us to provide a better response to those who needed it most.”Close coordination with official weather forecasting sources is key to improving the effectiveness and efficiency of humanitarian operations during the hurricane season. Teresa also stresses the importance of developing contingency plans, providing training, and equipping volunteers for pre-hospital care and search and rescue in floods, especially in high-risk areas.'A key tool for understanding'Another key element to prepare for the hurricane season within the Red Cross world is the continuous learning and training of National Society staff and volunteers.In 2024, with support from theReference Centre for Institutional Disaster Preparedness (CREPD) in the Americas, more than 6,000 people were trained, both online and in person, through courses and practical training at the regional level, with the aim of strengthening their knowledge in search and rescue, health, humanitarian assistance, and logistics coordination.According to Edgardo Barahona, CREPD Coordinator, these training sessions, based on practical exercises and emergency simulations, not only strengthen the technical capacities of National Societies, but also promote comprehensive preparedness in line with IFRC global standards:"They are a key tool for understanding the usefulness of response, contingency, and anticipation plans,”he says.“Through experiential methodologies and simulated scenarios, teams can directly experience the challenges of an emergency, allowing for better operational coordination." says Barahona.According to the CREPD Coordinator, preparing teams at the local level allows National Societies to lead high-quality, timely responses, tailored to address the demands of each specific context, especially in the face of events such as hurricanes or other frequent disasters in the region.This type of preparedness is critical because the hurricane season threatens not only countries like Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, but also more than 30 territories in the Americas, which face increasing risks due to extreme weather events aggravated by climate change.That said, the experiences in Central America confirm a vital lesson: preparedness is not optional, it is key to save lives. It requires sustained investment, strong partnerships, and the strengthening of National Society capacities to deal with crises and disasters – all of which are core elements of the IFRC’s regional approach to helping communities prepare for every coming storm season.Learn more about the IFRC’s approach to:Climate-smart disaster risk reductionDisaster and crisis preparednessEarly warning, early action

What recovery really looks like more than a year after Hurricane Beryl hit Barbados’ fishing communities

By the Climate CentreThe Red Cross in Barbados is helping fishermen who lost everything in Hurricane Beryl last year rebuild their traditional Caribbean fish pots.Actually, rectangular baited traps made from chicken wire and tree branches, the fish pots are regarded as more sustainable than nets and less work than going out to sea every day with a line. “They’re a really important part of local tradition that we’re trying to preserve,” explains Kiri Lizama, Barbados Red Cross Programmes and Operations Manager.“A fisherman could have up to ten fish pots in the water at once,” she adds, but with Beryl – the earliest Category 5 Atlantic hurricane on record – people did not have time to get their fish pots out of the water and safely ashore.“That was quite unexpected and a lot of them would have lost all their fish pots,” Lizama tells IFRC Americas Regional Director Loyce Pace, on a visit earlier this month to one fishing community, Half Moon Fort in St Lucy parish, where the work of rebuilding fish pots is well underway.Raw materialsHurricane Beryl passed 80 miles south Barbados causing devastating damage to the island’s fishing industry; significant damage was caused to over 200 fishing boats and 20 were sunk.The Red Cross has been supporting the fishing families with the raw materials to rebuild, using the traditional skills that Lizama explains are handed down from generation to generation in Barbadian coastal villages.The fish pots are stationed on reefs, rather than sand, and can trap a large variety of local types, including barbers, grunts, snappers, chutes and queen mullets.The fishermen use a combination of GPS and simple triangulation of onshore features to identify the best locations to set the traps and find them again. Unprecedented timingThe work is one element of the Barbados Red Cross recovery programme for communities affected by Hurricane Beryl that has also included cash payments for fish-processing households, essential WASH supplies, and shelter and volunteer management.IFRC-DREF initially allocated 1.7 million Swiss francs to support response by the relevant National Societies, including in Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and an emergency appeal was then launched for 4 million CHF to assist 25,000 people in these countries.Beryl’s intensity in terms of windspeed and barometric pressure was not unprecedented, but itstimingwas, the Climate Centre’s Andrew Kruczkiewicz, a lecturer at Columbia University specializing in remote sensing and early warning, wrote last year.“An additional cause for concern is that Beryl joins the ranks of destructive storms that intensified very rapidly, posing a challenge to preparedness even with the best forecasts science can provide.”It only took Beryl 40 hours to go from a tropical depression to a Category 3 hurricane – tripling its maximum wind speed to at least 180kph as it did so.Read more stories about Hurricane Beryl and Red Cross response:Hurricane Beryl: For hard-hit islands, preparation paid off with rapid response. But recovery is complicated by widespread damage. | IFRCClimate change: Turning storms into ‘monsters’ | IFRC'It’s a hustle': Fish market folk in Barbados experience more struggle since Hurricane Beryl | IFRC

Cash assistance in Costa Rica and Panama: A tale of two towns with the same name and a common story of resilience, recovery and solidarity

Ana Grace Solís and Leonel Rodríguez live more than 800 kilometers apart and they’ve never met. But they have a few interesting things in common.First, they both live in towns named Bebedero, which as the name would suggest are located on the banks of a river. (In Spanish, bebedero usually means a place where people can access water – a fountain, a well or even a river).Second, they both suffered the severe consequences brought on by the heavy rains from tropical storm Sara in November 2024, as well as several other low-pressure systems that recently caused historic floods in Central America.While the towns are far part – one in the North Pacific region of Costa Rica and the other in the province of Los Santos, Panama – both were hit hard.That month, more than 1.1 million people were at dire risk due floods, river overflows and landslides caused by extreme weather events.It was a very scary time."You don't know how high the water will get," said Ana Grace, who lives in Bebedero in Costa Rica. "We used to watch the water rise and lift things to a certain height. Now, every time there is a flood, you lose things."Along the Pacific coast – from Guanacaste and Puntarenas in Costa Rica to Veraguas, Panama Este and the Ngäbe-Buglé comarca in Panama – entire communities were evacuated, cut off from communications, and they suffered severe economic losses.Fortunately, the two towns share another important point in common: they both received support from local Red Cross teams before, during and after the emergency."We are grateful for their support because they managed to get to where we were stuck and give us the help we needed," said Leonel, from El Bebedero, Panama.Two operations, one fund: IFRC-DREFThat support came largely from the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF), a resource that finances rapid emergency response using funds already provided by donors in case of emergency.Faced with this multi-country crisis, the Costa Rican Red Cross and the Panamanian Red Cross, with the support of IFRC-DREF, implemented two humanitarian operations, one in each country.Their response included health care, access to clean water, protection of the most vulnerable, and an increasingly valued tool for its positive impact: cash transfers.The Costa Rican Red Cross aimed to help 7,500 people, focusing on the provinces of Guanacaste and Puntarenas. Of these, 4,000 received cash transfers, a strategy that allowed the people impacted by the disasters to prioritize and make decisions about their own needs.Following community censuses to identify the most vulnerable households, the Costa Rican Red Cross organised the delivery of debit cards in safe and accessible places, always respecting the dignity and privacy of the families."Providing them with financial assistance also allows the family to manage their own needs in a more independent and autonomous way, but also more adapted to their own context," explains Abigail Lopez, IFRC-DREF Emergency Coordinator in Costa Rica.For Fidel Espinoza, a dialysis patient who was evacuated during the emergency, the money allowed him to replace at least some of what he had lost. "I lost the washing machine and the chairs, the table, the kitchen. Now the only thing I have left is to buy a washing machine because the lady who helps me washes by hand," he said.The Red Cross humanitarian response also included health fairs to promote hygiene, post-flood waste management and disease prevention. Cleaning kits, jerry cans for drinking water and repellents were also distributed to strengthen communities' capacity to prevent further health crises.The Panamanian Red Cross was able to assist 2,500 people thanks to an operation structured in the same way as the Costa Rican Red Cross.The process for delivering the monetary assistance was participatory: socioeconomic evaluations were carried out, household data were validated, debit card distribution days were organized, and advice was given on the safe use of the money. During distribution, children participated in mental health activities.The families then invested in whatever they deemed necessary: food, medicines, tools for rebuilding or school supplies."It has been an excellent help that they have given to the community of Flores, including the emotional one," said Marisin Pimentel, who was affected by the floods. "The Red Cross guided us on issues that we did not know about at the time of the floods, and we really thank them from the bottom of our hearts. If there is another flood, we already know what to do”.Read more about cash and voucher assistance: A key tool in modern humanitarian action that allows a rapid and flexible response, empowers people to make their own decisions, and boosts local economies.The IFRC’s approach to cash and voucher assistanceDignifying, diverse and desires: Cash and vouchers as humanitarian assistance for migrantsBelize: After a season of drought and fire wiped out farmlands, Red Cross help farmers sow the seeds of recovery