OCHA Situation Report No. 6
Hurricane Michelle - Cuba / Honduras / The Bahamas
5 November 2001


This message is not an official hurricane warning or alert for any
country.

1.  On 4 November, Hurricane Michelle made landfall on the south coast of
Cuba. Today, it moved off the north coast of Cuba, heading for The
Bahamas. The National Weather Center in Miami reports that at 1500 GMT, 5
November 2001, the eye of Hurricane Michelle was located near latitude
24.8 north, longitude 77.2 west or about 20 miles (35 km) southeast of
Nassau in The Bahamas. Maximum sustained winds were near 85 mph (140
km/hr) with higher gusts.

2.  A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the northwestern and central
Bahamas. This includes Grand Bahama, the Abacos, the Berry Islands,
Bimini, Andros, New Providence, Eleuthera, Cat Island, Exumas, San
Salvador, Rum Cay and Long Island.

3.  A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Bermuda.

4.  A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for southeastern Florida from
Jupiter Inlet southward to Craig Key, including Florida Bay.


Cuba

5.  According to the United Nations Resident Coordinator's office in Cuba,
early in the morning of 5 November, the wind had calmed down in Havana and
light rain was falling. The Civil Defense reported that there had been no
indication of loss of life, thanks to highly effective preparedness
measures taken by the national authorities in evacuating some 800,000
people from locations at risk, including Batabano of La Habana province
and Santa Cruz del Sur in the Camagüey province.

6.  Initial reports indicate severe damage to agriculture (banana and
citrus fruit crops), irrigation systems and infrastructure in western and
central provinces (Matanzas, Cienfuegos and Villa Clara). Multisectoral
assessment being undertaken by the Government.

7.  In Havana City, electricity and gas services are disrupted. Some of
the old buildings in Old Havana, which needed restoration, suffered
extensive damage. Felled trees are obstructing streets.

8.  The airport in Havana City is now open again.

9.  OCHA is in daily contact with the United Nations Resident Coordinator,
who remains in close consultation with the Government. OCHA is standing
ready with an alerted United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination
(UNDAC) team.


Honduras

10.  The Government of Honduras provided the following information on the
impact caused by Hurricane Michelle.  The Permanent Commission for
Contingencies (COPECO)  will continue its damage evaluation and needs
assessment throughout the national territory. Dead:  6 Missing:  14
Evacuated:  18,452 Affected:  51,311 Damaged Bridges:  12 Destroyed
Bridges:  11 Damaged Houses:  760 Destroyed Houses:  56

11.  As reported in OCHA Situation Report No.3, the Government of Honduras
has requested international assistance. The Government would welcome cash
contributions, as well as the priority needs listed below:

- Drinking Water (in containers of 1 gallon, 1 ½ liters)
- Disposable Water Containers for 5.25 and 100 gallons
- Tinned or packaged food items not requiring cooking (frijol beans,
  sugar, bread, cheese, baby food, coffee, cereals, juice, cookies,
  and soups)
- Sanitary items (toilet paper, sanitary napkins, soap, laundry
  detergent, disposable diapers,
- Chlorine to purify water and as disinfectant, buckets with lids,
  sponges, brooms, garbage bags, mops, fumigation pumps, and
  insecticides)
- Household utensils (plates, forks, spoons and cups)
- Blankets and folding beds

12.  For information on medical needs, interested donors may contact the
Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief Coordination Program ? Pan
American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) through the following contact
numbers: Phone No. +1-202-974-3399, Fax No. +1-202-775-4578, and Email:
disaster@paho.org.


The Bahamas

13.  The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA) informs that
the Coordinating Unit has been in contact with the National Disaster
Coordinator in The Bahamas. The Regional Response Mechanisms is placed on
full alert.  CDERA's twenty-four hour contact number for the Coordinating
Unit is +1-246-436-9651.

14.  For further information, please refer to the Website of the National
Hurricane Service in Miami at www.nhc.noaa.gov, and
www.solar.ifa.hawaii.edu/Tropical/Gif/atl.latest.gif.

15.  This situation report, together with further information on ongoing
emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at
http://www.reliefweb.int


Telephone: +41-22-91712 34
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Desk Officers (OCHA Response Coordination Branch):
  Mr. E. Haegglund / Ms. M. Kondo
  Direct Tel. +41-22-917 32 99/1997

Press contact:
  (GVA)  Ms. Elizabeth Byrs, direct Tel. +41-22-917 26 56
  (NYC)  Ms. Phyllis Lee, direct Tel. +1-212-963 48 32


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