2 September 2010
©InfoAs the hurricane season gets underway, volunteers in British Red Cross overseas branches in the Caribbean are well prepared and responded quickly to Hurricane Earl earlier this week.
The category 4 hurricane passed through the Caribbean, hitting several islands, including British Overseas Territories Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands and Montserrat. However, due to early warning and well-prepared populations in the region, damage to livelihoods and property has been relatively low.
Kevin Studds, overseas branches programme support manager, said: “There has been some flooding and minor landslides and some people had to move into shelters. But fortunately with the early warning the local Red Cross was able to work with national authorities to provide information through radio and television and there have been no reports of loss of life.”
Prepared for hurricanes
Across the Caribbean, Red Cross National Societies have been informing people on how to prepare property and secure livelihoods in the face of heavy winds and rain. In addition, shelters were set up to receive evacuees.
Working at the national level with emergency management agencies the Red Cross has also been providing first aid and support with shelter management, as well as distributing dry food rations to highly vulnerable people.
The Red Cross is now monitoring Tropical Storm Fiona which is expected to follow a similar path as Hurricane Earl through the Caribbean over the next few days.
More about our overseas branches
Find out how we prepare for disasters