Six months ago, three extremely violent hurricanes - Irma, José and Maria - hit the Caribbean, impacting in particular the islands of Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy.
The French Red Cross continues, 6 months after the disaster, its long-term support actions for the populations, and in particular the most vulnerable.
In this region, which is increasingly exposed to extreme climatic episodes, the French Red Cross is deploying its strategy more than ever: strengthening the capacities of local actors and developing risk reduction systems.
“By never losing sight of this context of high exposure to climatic disasters, the reconstruction of Saint-Martin must be thought of in a global manner, taking into account the situation of the most fragile people, with a common view of reducing health risks and social »Jean-Christophe Combe, Director General of the French Red Cross
From March 18 to 22, six months after the devastating passage of Hurricane Irma, Jean-Christophe COMBE, Director General of the French Red Cross will travel to the Antilles. With the volunteers and employees of the territorial delegations of the French Antilles, he will take stock of post-emergency actions and current projects.
Visit of Mr. Jean-Christophe COMBE to the Antilles:
1. Martinique: March 18 (evening) and March 19
2. Saint Martin: March 20
3. Saint-Barthélemy: March 21
4. Guadeloupe: March 21 (evening) and March 22
After an emergency and support phase for the population which lasted more than eight weeks and a meticulous evaluation work which made it possible to target priority needs, the French Red Cross continues its operations in the French territories impacted by hurricanes in early September.
The hurricane revealed the pre-existing vulnerabilities and highlighted the imperative need to develop prevention, preparation and risk management systems in this particularly exposed region. Another major challenge is to provide long-term support to people in a very precarious situation as well as isolated and dependent elderly people requiring very special attention.
Thus, in Saint-Martin, different projects are implemented:
The "Castor" project aims to provide basic materials to 500 households so that they can rebuild their homes on their own. This self-rehabilitation project, carried out with the help of local artisans who visit and advise beneficiaries, is part of a community resilience approach and includes an awareness component on reconstruction techniques. A tool kit and the distribution of purchase coupons, valid in seven partner stores on the island, help boost local commerce. To date, four weakened neighborhoods benefit from the program. This project is being studied for deployment on Saint-Barthélemy.
The “Ecureuil” project consists mainly of distributing purchase coupons to 1 particularly vulnerable households, many of whom have had many difficulties following the disaster: deterioration of housing, loss of jobs linked to tourism, etc. These coupons thus allow the beneficiaries to stock up on basic necessities and at the same time stimulate local commerce on the island.
A vector control mission (intended to prevent the risk of epidemics linked to viruses transmitted by the mosquito in particular) was launched in early November alongside the Regional Health Agency (ARS), led by young Saint-Martinois engaged in Civic Service.
A tool for raising awareness of major risks is implemented for the children of Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy as part of the prevention and risk reduction training offered by the French Red Cross. This program must subsequently be extended to the entire West Indies region.
Reinforcement of the pre-positioning of stocks on Saint-Martin, to limit the constraints of transporting material on the island in the event of a new emergency.
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