The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has issued an alert about the risks posed by the advance of Hurricane Melissa, which is already affecting several Caribbean countries, including Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. Meteorological authorities anticipate that these nations will face days of extreme weather conditions, with strong winds, flash floods, and the risk of landslides.
Hurricane Melissa, classified as a tropical storm, is moving slowly through the region, worsening the situation for vulnerable populations. UNICEF highlighted that more than **1.6 million children** are in danger due to the lack of safe shelters, limited access to drinking water, and the disruption of essential services such as health and education.
"Children are the most affected in emergency situations," stated a representative of the organization, who urged governments and communities to prioritize child protection. The lack of adequate infrastructure in coastal and marginalized areas, combined with high population density in riverside areas, increases exposure to risk.
Authorities have activated evacuation plans in some regions, but experts warn that international coordination is crucial to mitigate the damage. Humanitarian organizations are preparing temporary shelters and medical supplies, although the magnitude of the natural phenomenon could exceed local response capacity.
The region, already affected by economic crises and previous disasters, now faces a new test that highlights the urgency of long-term climate adaptation policies.
