A flight carrying British aid arrived in Jamaica on Saturday to support recovery efforts after Hurricane Melissa. Simultaneously, the UK plans its first chartered flight to evacuate British nationals later the same day. The aid package includes emergency shelter kits and financial contributions, while the hurricane's impact has led to fatalities and widespread infrastructure damage across the island and the wider Caribbean region.
Aid and Evacuation Efforts
A British aid flight delivered over 3,000 emergency shelter kits to Jamaica on Saturday as part of a £7.5 million regional emergency package. This funding includes a commitment to match public donations up to £1 million for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent, with King Charles and Queen Camilla among the donors. The UK initially allocated £2.5 million in immediate financial support, followed by an additional £5 million announced by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on Friday. The British Red Cross stated that donations will support the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) in its search and rescue operations, healthcare access, shelter provision, and clean water initiatives in Jamaica.
Hurricane Melissa's Impact
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category Five storm, identified as one of the most powerful hurricanes recorded in the Caribbean. The storm traversed the region over several days, causing fatalities and damage. In Jamaica, at least 19 people have died, and Jamaica's Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon reported "entire communities that seem to be marooned and areas that seem to be flattened" on Friday. In Haiti, at least 30 people were killed, and Cuba experienced flooding and landslides.
Infrastructure Damage and Humanitarian Needs
As of Saturday morning, 72% of Jamaica's population remained without electricity, and approximately 6,000 people were housed in emergency shelters, according to the Red Cross. Aid distribution has been complicated by fallen trees and landslides. There is a need for generators and tarpaulins due to the extent of housing damage and the non-operational electricity grid. Reports indicate that people are entering supermarkets to gather food, amid widespread needs for clean drinking water and basic provisions. Queues for petrol pumps have been observed, with many seeking fuel for generators or transportation, as power remains out across most of the island. Parts of St Elizabeth have experienced recent flooding.