UK aid and military support sent to Central America in wake of hurricane Eta
The hurricane has cause widespread damage across the region
The UK is providing vital humanitarian and military support to countries in Central America following Hurricane Eta. 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 and many people evacuated from their homes.
The UK has deployed Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) ship Argus to help the US military’s relief operations in Honduras. She will offer logistical support to operations so the US can access and deliver supplies to the people most in 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.
Argus’ spacious flight deck will be used as a ‘lily pad’ by US military aircraft to sustain relief missions, while the ship’s Merlin and Wildcat helicopters will be prepared to carry out surveys of the damage and fly aid to isolated areas if required.
The UK’s humanitarian response to Hurricane Eta will be through its partnerships with multilateral organisations and non-governmental organisations including Save the Children, Trocaire and Christian Aid, who will provide food, water and sanitation to those affected.
Following a spate of recent counter narcotics successes, RFA Argus has been requested to assist US military forces currently providing aid to Honduras.
“With a platform of this size and capability and with our own aviation assets, RFA Argus is an ideal unit to assist at this difficult time.
We are currently proceeding at best speed towards the area of operations conducting on board preparations as my team re-role to support the US relief efforts in Honduras.”
— RFA Argus’ Commanding Officer, Captain Kevin Rimell
RFA Argus carries an air group of helicopters and personnel from 845, 815 and 1700 Naval Air Squadron. Three Commando Merlin helicopters and a Wildcat can carry out surveillance to help the US conduct search and rescue, and they might be used to deliver aid to devastated areas.
