powerful hurricanes
HAVANA/ CUBA, 12 September 2008 - UNICEF expressed concern today over
the 2.5 million Cubans who have been evacuated from their homes, and the
scores of children who have been left without schools, their communities
and hospitals without electricity and hundreds of roads washed away. Two
powerful hurricanes - Gustav and Ike - pummeled the island of Cuba in
the last nine days with high winds and torrential rains that left a
broad path of destruction.
UNICEF is the first UN agency to provide emergency funding to the island
nation which will be targeted at providing water and sanitation and the
rehabilitation of schools and maternity homes.
"UNICEF's highest priority is to prevent outbreaks of disease by
providing water and sanitation for the people who have been hardest
hit," said Viviana Limpias, Deputy Representative in Cuba. "We are also
concerned with the status of schools and recreational facilities for
children on the island given that the return to school has been pushed
back until further notice and many classrooms are currently being used
as shelters."
This marks the first time in Cuba´s history that two hurricanes of this
magnitude make landfall on the island. During Gustav´s passage winds
reached 340 km an hour as it passed through the province of Pinar del
Río. Ike tore up roofs and entire crops and created giant waves which
lashed against homes and buildings along the entire island. Official
statistics point to 3 to 4 billion dollars in damage.
Food and water are the most urgent necessities followed by jerry cans,
kitchen utensils, mattresses, sheets, towels and water filters.
"These natural disasters are terrifying events especially for children,"
said Limpias. "More funding will be needed to ensure children's
wellbeing since we are expecting several other hurricanes in the next
few months."
About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help
children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence.
The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries,
UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation,
quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of
children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded
entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses,
foundations and governments.
For further information:
Eva Lotta, elotta@unicef.org, + 507 301 7430, UNICEF Latin America and
Caribbean
Patrick McCormick, pmccormick@unicef.org 212 326 7426, UNICEF New York
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