The first major storm in the Atlantic this hurricane season, Hurricane Fiona has already caused substantial amounts of damage to parts of Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Powercuts, widespread flooding and even deaths have been caused by the storm, which has now been upgraded to ‘category four’ and is poised to hit Bermuda later this week.
Given the horrific destruction caused by Fiona, you might be wondering what you can do to help victims of the hurricane get their lives back on track. Fortunately there are plenty of ways to help. Here are a few of the easiest ways to lend a hand.
How can I help the victims of Hurricane Fiona?
One of the easiest things you can do is donate to a charity providing help on the ground. Check out…
Project HOPE, which is in both Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic helping to provide health assistance. Donate here.
Americares, which is preparing to deliver medicine and help repair damaged healthcare centres. Find out more here.
Airlink, which airlifting emergency supplies and workers to in-need areas. Donate here.
International Medical Corps, which provides healthcare training and relief. Donate here.
Hispanic Federation, which is providing emergency services and supplies in Puerto Rico and coordinating NGO help in the Dominican Republic. Donate here.
Save the Children, which focuses on reducing the impact of hurricanes on children by providing essential items to families. Donate here.
Direct Relief, which is providing help through mobile power units, health services and emergency medicine. Donate here.
There’s also a bunch of other stuff you can do. If you’re in New York, for example, head over to Queens Night Market this weekend, where a third of all net proceeds will go to helping victims of Fiona.
Then, of course, there’s tourism. Most of you probably don’t need an excuse to jet off to a spectacular Caribbean island but, in the coming years, visiting Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, the Turks and Caicos Islands and Bermuda and spending cash in local communities will be crucial to their long-term recovery.
If you’re looking to help Puerto Rico specifically, we’ve also got another guide to how to help Puerto Ricans following Hurricane Fiona.