Hurricane Melissa Claims 28 Lives in Jamaica; UK Pledges Additional Aid

Hurricane Melissa has resulted in 28 confirmed fatalities in Jamaica, according to the Office of the Prime Minister. The Category 5 storm made landfall on October 28, causing extensive damage, particularly in the western parishes. The government expressed condolences to the affected families and communities.

In response to the devastation, the United Kingdom has pledged an additional £5 million in emergency humanitarian funding to support recovery efforts in the Caribbean. This follows an initial £2.5 million announced earlier in the week. The aid package includes over 3,000 shelter kits and more than 1,500 solar-powered lanterns to assist those whose homes have been damaged and those without power.

Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest storms on record to hit the Caribbean, also impacted Haiti and Cuba. In Haiti, at least 25 people died in the southern coastal town of Petit-Goâve after the La Digue river overflowed. Cuba experienced severe damage, including collapsed houses and blocked roads, though no fatalities have been reported.

The UK government is collaborating with the World Food Programme and the Red Cross to ensure that emergency relief reaches those most in need. British humanitarian and technical personnel have been dispatched to help coordinate relief efforts, and a Royal Navy vessel is on standby to provide additional assistance.