Grenadians cope with the realities of climate change in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl

St. George's, Grenada - Nearly three weeks after, thousands of residents in the Eastern Caribbean whose lives were disrupted by Hurricane Beryl, a powerful Category 4 storm, are still struggling to cope with life in its aftermath.

As a stark reminder of the climatic issues confronting Small Island Developing States like Grenada, which was one of the islands impacted by Hurricane Beryl on July 1, many residents are casting their minds almost 20 years ago when Hurricane Ivan, another powerful category 4 storm, left a trail of destruction in Grenada.

Helen Philip, a Mount Craven resident, was just 10 years old when Ivan struck. Now, a mother herself, she sheltered in the same family home with her young son, Lucas, as Beryl raged outside. The storm proved even more destructive this time, tearing off their corrugated metal roof and damaging the ceiling, as storm surge flooded their home.

“The sea started coming into the road,” recalled Helen. “My yard started filling up and the sandbags were only able to block some of the water.”

“While I was grabbing things for Lucas and myself, the living room roof just flew off and I was bawling and making noise. We went downstairs, but the house was already leaking. We had to stay in one place until the storm passed."

Helen's story is not unique. Hundreds of families across the northern part of Grenada are facing indefinite displacement due to Beryl's wrath. The islands of Carriacou and Petit Martinique – both part of Grenada - and Union Island and Mayreau, St Vincent and the Grenadines – suffered even greater devastation, with more than 90% of houses destroyed.

UNICEF has stepped in to provide lifesaving supplies, including clean water and hygiene kits, to support families during the recovery process. 

Mental health and psychosocial support as well as child protection are also a crucial part of UNICEF’s response, with many children grappling with the trauma of Beryl and their new realities in make-shift housing.

Christlyn Julien, a resident of La Fortune, vividly remembers the fear she experienced as a child during Ivan. Determined to protect her young family from Beryl's fury, she evacuated to her brother's house. 

However, the storm's power proved relentless. As they watched their own home and those of their neighbours crumble, the winds tore away at the roof of their temporary shelter.

"Everyone was anxious and the children were scared," Christlyn said. "We tried our best to stay calm and keep them safe. It was the worst experience of my life."

Christlyn's voice carries a deeper weight as she speaks. "Climate change is real," she emphasizes. "We in the Caribbean are paying the price for what others are doing to the environment."

Grenada now faces the daunting task of rebuilding after Beryl's assault. UNICEF’s pledge is to be there for every child, including the most vulnerable as they get back on their feet.

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This story was first published to UNICEF Eastern Caribbean.