This post is dedicated to the many hurricane relief efforts that are available to assist our temporarily devastated islands.
On August 30, 2017, Hurricane Irma formed just off the coast of Africa. A few days later on the September 05, 2017, Irma was a powerful 185 miles per hour monster wreaking havoc on the Caribbean. This was only the beginning of a terrifying hurricane season for the islands of the Caribbean.
On September 13, 2017, the National Hurricane Centre raised the alarm about two tropical waves which had formed in the Atlantic Ocean. One of these waves grew into monster storm Hurricane Maria, which quickly transformed into a Category 5 powerhouse with winds of 160 miles per hour.
When the rain and wind finally stopped, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Puerto Rico, Saba, St. Maarten/ St. Martin, St. Thomas, The British Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands and Cuba were left bruised, damaged and broken. Some of these islands endured direct impacts which left the entire Caribbean speechless and saddened.
We lost our homes, family, friends, pets, livestock, businesses, livelihood and for a long time, our spirits. It was difficult hearing the cries for help from our brothers and sisters who were desperate for help. It was painful seeing the devastation of these islands just a stone’s throw away.
In times like these, Caribbean people come together to assist those in need. We are no longer from separate islands, speaking different languages or celebrating cultures. We are one Caribbean operating as a single entity to help brothers and sisters to get back on their feet.
Many Caribbean countries have created hurricane relief funds to assist with the relief efforts due to the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
Government Relief Information
If you want to assist in any way, please connect with the following organisations:
- Caribbean: Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency: Website | Facebook
- British Virgin Islands: Department of Disaster Management: Website | Facebook
- Turks and Caicos Islands: Department of Disaster Management and Agencies: Website | Facebook
Hurricane Relief Funds and Donations
Please use one of the below methods to send donations to the hurricane victims:
Donating Money
CDEMA has set up an Emergency Assistance Fund. Please indicate that your donation is for the Hurricane Irma Relief Fund or the Hurricane Maria Relief Fund. Click here for the banking instructions.
Donating Food and Supplies
Please email irmarelief@cdema.org for more information on how you can send supplies to the affected areas. You can also contact the local disaster agency in each country.
Donating Shelter
Some countries like Barbuda, are in need of shelter for their citizens. Please visit CDEMA’s Facebook page for specific details on how you can provide lodging for displaced people.
Sending Prayers and Well Wishes
Please post your prayers and well wishes on the Endless Caribbean Facebook page.
Unfortunately, trying times like these can also bring out the worst in people. Scammers do and will take advantage of the kindness of others by engaging in selfish and cruel acts that cause more harm to those in need.
Be wary of who you donate funds or supplies to. For your safety, and to ensure that your donation is received by those who need it the most, please contact the organisations listed in this post.
Please remember, that no donation or hurricane relief effort is too small and every little bit can and will help. Thank you for your concern, prayers and donations, as the Caribbean works to recover from Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria.
Note: For immediate and up to date information on the Caribbean region, please follow CDEMA on Facebook. They are very active and have been posting the immediate needs of each island as requested by the individual disaster agencies.