Roofs were torn off, and street trees were uprooted.
This area, turned into awasteland by the hurricane,
is Carriacou Island in the Caribbean nation of Grenada.
On July 2, Hurricane Beryl struck the Caribbean region
with a maximum intensity of Category 5. Neighboring countries experienced
significant damage, including the collapse of schools and hospitals
and power outages that disrupted communications.
Tragically, there were also casualties from floods and landslides.
Carriacou and Petite Martinique in Grenada, where the hurricane made landfall
on the 1st day, suffered tremendous damage, with most buildings collapsing.
Governor-General of Grenada Dickon Mitchell called it “unimaginable destruction.”
WeLoveU stepped in to help Grenada, which has suffered significant damage.
At the 4th SIDS International Conference, WeLoveU met with Governor-General
Dickon Mitchell to affirm its commitment to supporting island nations
vulnerable to climate disasters.
Members from the United States and Caribbean countries initiated activities
to aid hurricane victims in Grenada. Over 100 members provided more than
5,100 relief items, including sleeping bags, masks, batteries, and lamps,
at the disaster site and engaged in disaster recovery efforts. In New Windsor,
New York, they held a charity concert, “Harmony for the Earth”
to raise awareness of climate change and encourage action.
The concert was broadcast live on YouTube.
WeLoveU Emergency Relief—Hope to Grenada
Cecile La Grenade, Governor-General of Grenada
“On July 1, Hurricane Beryl devastated northern Grenada, particularly Carriacou and Petite Martinique. I visited the islands and was deeply shocked by the enormous damage. I extend my deepest gratitude to Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah of WeLoveU for her generous support to Grenada. WeLoveU helped with the recovery by clearing the debris of Dover Government School, which had collapsed after initially being used as a shelter during the hurricane. We currently need drinking water, restroom facilities, a temporary kitchen, and a sheltered area for the children. Volunteers and additional support are urgently needed for this. Thank you.”
Cecile La Grenade, Governor-General of Grenada
WeLoveU members sincerely hoped for the swift recovery of Grenada,
the beautiful island nation in the Caribbean.
“We cleared the debris of the school that had collapsed due to strong winds and helped the city rebuild. At times, I doubted whether this place could fully return to its original state, but the people of Grenada are resilient and positive, and I believe they will surely rise again.”
“I flew from the United States to Grenada and then took a boat to Carriacou. Other than knowing it was hot and there were bugs, I knew nothing about this place. While camping with the members, we had to figure out many things on our own, like how to live without water and electricity. On the first night, there was thunder, lightning, and rain, which blew off the top of our tent, leaving us soaked. However, for the residents here, such events are likely just part of daily life. I hope that our neighbors, who are going through difficult times, won’t give up.”
“When I came to help the disaster victims on Carriacou Island, many people were homeless. This type of disaster is truly unprecedented. I hope people will become more concerned about climate change issues now. I am glad that I can provide some assistance to our neighbors through relief efforts.”
“I came to the island first as part of the advance team to accurately assess the situation in Carriacou. After identifying what items were needed and which activities were urgent, I supported the volunteer team. I hope the WeLoveU volunteer team has been a great help in the recovery efforts here.”
WeLoveU will continue to offer support and activities
to help disaster victims affected by climate disasters with a mother’s love
and to address the rapidly changing climate.
Please send your care and love to the hurricane victims in Grenada.
Our attention and love support the lives of our neighbors
during this disaster.
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