This Sunday, June 30, 2024, a vast region of the Caribbean is on alert following the strengthening of Beryl, the first hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic season. According to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), Beryl has become a Category 4 hurricane, considered "extremely dangerous."

The NHC reports that Beryl is moving approximately 750 kilometers east of Barbados and is expected to bring "winds and storm surge" to the Windward Islands on Monday morning. It is expected to impact Jamaica, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, the Grenadine Islands, Barbados, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, Martinique, Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba and the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.

Authorities in Barbados, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada have issued hurricane warnings, while Martinique, Tobago and Dominica are under tropical storm warnings.

From the offices of MAGRE of Cáritas in the Caribbean, Camex and Bolivarian zones, we are closely monitoring the evolution of this meteorological phenomenon and its possible effects on the population. Preparation and vigilance are essential to face the challenges that Beryl could bring. Caritas is committed to supporting vulnerable communities and coordinating efforts for an effective response.