SG/SM/18177

Secretary-General Conveys Solidarity with People Impacted by Hurricane Matthew, Pledging Readiness of United Nations to Assist if Required

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General wishes to convey his solidarity with the people and Governments of Haiti, Cuba and other nations in the Caribbean affected by Hurricane Matthew.

In Haiti, the Government reports that a number of people have lost their lives and estimates that at least 350,000 people need immediate assistance.  While the full extent of the hurricane’s impact remains unclear, the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination team on the ground is working with partners to coordinate rapid assessments, with logistical assistance from the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH).

In Cuba, more than 377,000 people were evacuated, 1,640 metric tons of food were pre-positioned in safe areas and measures were taken to protect communities and infrastructure threatened by strong winds, rains, storm surges and floods.  The Secretary-General lauds the preparedness efforts of the Cuban authorities, media and civil society to protect people’s lives and economic assets.

Across the region, the United Nations is in contact with the authorities and stands ready to assist with response and recovery if required.

For information media. Not an official record.