UK Evacuates Britons from Jamaica, Delivers Aid Amid Hurricane Melissa
In response to Hurricane Melissa, the UK government is organizing an evacuation for British nationals in Jamaica. A chartered flight will depart from Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport on Saturday. This action follows the earlier delivery of aid as part of a £7.5 million regional emergency package aimed at addressing the crisis.
Hurricane Melissa’s Impact on Jamaica and the Region
Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica as a category five storm on Tuesday, marking it as one of the most powerful hurricanes recorded in the Caribbean. The storm has caused widespread destruction, leading to the deaths of at least 19 people in Jamaica and 30 in Haiti. Cuba also experienced severe flooding and landslides due to the hurricane.
- Death Toll: 19 in Jamaica, 30 in Haiti
- Storm Category: 5
- Duration: Several days of impact across the region
Aid Efforts and Government Response
The UK has pledged financial support to assist in recovery efforts. Initially, a £2.5 million support package was announced, followed by an additional £5 million from Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. This funding includes a matching donation of up to £1 million for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent, supported by King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Hurricane Melissa has left approximately 72% of Jamaica without electricity. An estimated 6,000 people are currently in emergency shelters, while many communities remain isolated. Access to clean water and food is an urgent need, as patient supplies diminish and reports of desperate searches for food and fuel rise.
Health Crisis and Infrastructure Damage
Health infrastructure has suffered significant damage. Dr. Christopher Tufton, Jamaica’s health minister, highlighted that the Black River Hospital has been severely affected, requiring a complete relocation of services. Patients are experiencing trauma-related injuries, prompting the need for immediate medical attention.
- Health Minister: Dr. Christopher Tufton
- Severely Affected Facility: Black River Hospital, St Elizabeth
Distribution Challenges for Aid
Despite ongoing aid efforts, road access remains a challenge due to landslides and fallen trees. However, organizations like Global Empowerment Mission have begun delivering supplies. A seven-truck convoy carrying humanitarian assistance from volunteers in the Jamaican diaspora community has left for the badly damaged town of Black River.
Authorities anticipate that further aid will arrive shortly, as they seek to restore normalcy to the communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The situation remains critical, and help is essential for the recovery of affected regions.
