KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Labour and Social Security said its humanitarian response team has already begun conducting house-to-house assessments in communities which are accessible and will be providing emergency assistance as necessary.

The ministry said its teams will also be conducting assessments of damage to homes and making recommendations regarding necessary assistance.

Noting that parish offices are open to handle matters related to disaster response and other emergencies, the ministry is encouraging persons who have been affected by Hurricane Beryl to contact their parish disaster organisations.

The MLSS added that as at 2:00 am Thursday morning, there are 182 shelters in operation with 1432 persons.

It said it has an adequate supply of food and hygiene kits to address the immediate needs of persons staying in the shelters and teams have already been dispatched to deliver supplies to them.

The humanitarian response team is a team led by the ministry in collaboration with Red Cross, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, the Salvation Army, Food for the Poor and other non-governmental agencies.