Hurricane Beryl

An uncertain situation in the affected areas

While the damage varied from one island to another, many areas suffered significant material damage, particularly to transport, energy and communications infrastructures. Information on the worst-affected areas remained incomplete, and assessments were carried out to identify immediate needs.

An integrated response within the regional response mechanism

Following on from the capacity-sharing project carried out in partnership with the Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) between 2021 and 2023, the TSF team was able to coordinate with the regional response mechanism a few days before the hurricane's arrival. Upon its arrival on the island of Barbados, TSF identified Grenada as a priority zone, based on the organization of humanitarian operations and the known state of communications after the hurricane.

Response in Carriacou Island, Grenada

Telecommunication needs were identified in Carriacou Island, and TSF decided to focus on the affected community by providing internet connectivity via satellite. Thias allowed many famillies and individuals to reconnect with their loved ones outside the island, alleviating psychological distress.

TSF foused on the northeast corner of the island where the communications were totally cut but the hurricane. The team provided emergency connectivity during several days in 4 identified locations to enable the local communities to contact their relatives on the main land or abroad.

« I couldn’t contact my family yet since the hurricane. I tried to reach my sister in Canada but she didn’t reply. Then I called my other sister in Florida and she picked up the phone. She felt so relieved that I was alive and she will buy phone credit for me from remote. Thank you very much for the WiFi ! »

Cliff, Resident of Carriacou

A second team provides humanitarian connectivity in Jamaica

Hurricane Beryl continued westward, it hit Jamaica. TSF provided emergency telecommunications support to the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) teams. This part of
the response aimed to support field assessment teams, register the affected population's needs in terms of telecommunications, and provide a first support to the affected communities.

Assessments revealed that Treasure Beach was heavily affected and had no communication since the hurricane. In collaboration with World Central Kitchen, TSF provided Wi-Fi to the affected people who can now contact their relatives, get important information and organize thanks to the internet access.