MAP International, a nonprofit global health organization dedicated to bringing medicines and health supplies to those in need around the world, is gearing up for this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, while maintaining its normal operations and shipments worldwide.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) is predicting yet another above-average hurricane season for 2021, forecasting a range of 13 to 20 named storms, 6 to 10 of which could likely become hurricanes, with 3 to 5 of those hurricanes reaching category 3, 4 or 5.

The Atlantic hurricane season technically begins June 1 and extends through November 30 each year, but already the National Hurricane Center has identified three named storms of the season – Ana, Bill and Tropical Storm Claudette, which destroyed homes over the weekend, causing several fatalities. (https://www.maritime-executive.com/editorials/first-named-storm-of-2021-atlantic-hurricane-season-is-10-days-early)

Hurricane season poses a threat to any coastal community, but for many under resourced countries around the world, a hurricane can ruin thousands of lives. “Although NOAA scientist don’t expect this season to be as busy as last year,” said Ben Friedman, acting NOAA administrator, “it only takes one storm to devastate a community.” (https://www.noaa.gov/media-release/noaa-predicts-another-active-atlantic-hurricane-season)

MAP International is well known for its rapid and effective disaster response program and has been preparing for this year’s hurricane season for months. “While we remain prepared for disasters year-round, we increase our preparations leading into hurricane season,” says MAP’s Director of Disaster Relief, Jason Elliott. “In expectation of another above normal season, MAP’s Disaster Relief Team started preparing with our partners several months ago.” MAP prepositioned over 10,000 Disaster Health Kits (DHKs) in eight countries to enable a rapid disaster response.

While MAP International is preparing specifically to send disaster relief following the destruction of a hurricane, the organization has already responded to other disasters in 2021, including St. Vincent’s La Soufrière volcano eruption that occurred on April 9, forcing 16,000 people to evacuate, and leaving thousands of residents sleeping in emergency shelters.

With their partners Food For The Poor (FFTP), World Hope, Convoy of Hope and World Pediatric Project, MAP provided over 5,000 DHKs and other medicines and health supplies to St. Lucia to aid the St. Vincent evacuees. MAP recently offered continued support by shipping an additional 23 pallets of medicines and health supplies to aid the St. Vincent victims.

MAP International continues to respond to the COVID-19 crisis, with concerted efforts to aid the people of India who are suffering from a second wave of COVID-19.

MAP International’s mission is to provide medicines and health supplies to people in need all around the world so they might experience life to the fullest, and in times of disaster – whether that be hurricanes and earthquakes or a worldwide pandemic – MAP serves as a beacon of hope.

To learn more about MAP’s disaster relief program, visit www.map.org

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