The United Nations’ Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has allocated US$4 million to three UN agencies to assist over 100,000 vulnerable individuals in Haiti as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches. The storm, forecasted to intensify into a hurricane by Friday, poses a significant threat to the Caribbean nation. The funds will be distributed to the World Food Programme (WFP), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to bolster preparedness efforts. Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, emphasized the importance of anticipatory action to mitigate the storm’s impact, which is expected to bring heavy rains, strong winds, and potential flooding, landslides, and power outages. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that Melissa, currently located 320 miles south-southwest of Port-au-Prince, is moving slowly westward with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph. A hurricane watch is in effect for southwestern Haiti, while Jamaica remains under a tropical storm watch. The NHC anticipates gradual strengthening, with Melissa potentially becoming a hurricane by Friday. The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is closely monitoring the situation, ensuring that critical early warning messages, evacuation support, cash transfers, emergency shelter management, and water, sanitation, and hygiene kits are prioritized in the response.