UK Aid And Military Support Sent To Central America In Wake Of Hurricane Eta

16th November 2020

Stock image of a Merlin helicopter from 845 Commando Helicopter Force in flight over The British Virgin Islands. The Atlantic Patrol Tasking has arrived in The British Virgin Islands to reassure them that they will be looked after in this years hurricane season. RFA Argus and HMS Medway met up to transfer stores and to also fly over the islands to let them know the Navy has arrived in the area. RFA Argus is a Primary Casualty Receiving Ship of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. It has a 100-bed medical complex on board. She acts as a floating medical facility, she is currently in Curacao. The Royal Navy plays an essential part of the UK's military response to support people affected by Hurricanes by providing humanitarian and disaster relief to the Caribbean Islands. When disasters occur, infrastructure and resources can be crippled, with shortages of food and water supplies and a lack of basic services like sanitation and electricity. Responding humanely to these life-threatening scenarios is central to the Royal Navy's ethos - we have the skills, know-how and equipment to make a real difference, however extreme the circumstances. A self-sustaining, flexible force for good - even in the most challenging conditions The crew will work alongside local emergency services re-establishing law and order, restoring water and power, repairing buildings like hospitals and schools, reopening airstrips and roads.

The UK is providing vital humanitarian support to countries in Central America following Hurricane Eta, which has caused widespread destruction across the region.

The category 4 hurricane has caused severe damage to some of the most vulnerable communities in Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala as well as parts of Belize, El Salvador, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama. More than 2 million people have been affected with initial reports indicating that over 100 people have lost their lives. People across the region have had to evacuate their homes.

In response, the UK is deploying Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ship Argus to help the US military’s relief operations in Honduras. She will offer logistical support so the US can access and deliver supplies to the people most in need.

The UK’s wider humanitarian response to Hurricane Eta will be through urgent aid and partnerships with multilateral organisations and NGOs:

• The UK is providing urgent relief supplies, including emergency shelter equipment, kitchen sets, and cleaning kits, which will be distributed by partners in the region.
• The Start Fund, through UK aid funding, will help NGOs in Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala, including Save the Children, Trocaire and Christian Aid to provide food, water and sanitation to those affected.
• The UK-funded NGO MapAction, which specialises in providing mapping for humanitarian emergencies, is providing remote assistance to the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs’ (OCHA) Regional Office in the Central Americas.
Minister for the Americas, Wendy Morton said:

“Hurricane Eta has devastated parts of Central America and my thoughts are with all those who have lost their homes and loved ones.”

“UK support will help the most vulnerable by making sure they can access the food, water and shelter they need.”

RFA Argus is deployed to the Caribbean region as part of a persistent maritime presence that includes providing a contingency to support Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief responses during the hurricane season.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:

“The UK is always ready to assist our friends and allies at times of great need. Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Argus will support the relief effort, working alongside the US, in the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Eta.”