The United Kingdom (UK) Government is mobilising £2.5 million (about J$510 million) in emergency humanitarian funding to support the Caribbean region’s recovery from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

This funding will support a rapid humanitarian response, including the delivery of emergency supplies such as shelter kits, water filters and blankets, to help prevent injury and disease outbreaks.

These emergency relief supplies have already been prepositioned in Antigua to ensure they can be rapidly deployed to where they are needed most. UK humanitarian and technical experts are also being deployed to the region to assist with the coordination and delivery of aid.

According to UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, “The UK is acting swiftly to support the Jamaican authorities in providing disaster relief and expertise in response to this terrible storm. Specialist rapid deployment teams have also been positioned in the region to provide consular assistance round the clock to British nationals affected by the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.”

British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Alicia Herbert OBE, added, “The UK stands in full solidarity with the people of Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. We are deeply saddened by the loss and disruption this storm has caused. Our thoughts are with those who have been affected, and we pay tribute to the courage and resilience of the Jamaican people as recovery begins. The UK is committed to supporting Jamaica through this challenging time, working alongside the Government of Jamaica and our partners to assist with relief and rebuilding efforts.”

Meanwhile, Royal Navy ship HMS Trent is providing a maritime presence in the region to offer disaster response support, if required. The UK Ministry of Defence has also pre-deployed a team to the Turks and Caicos Islands to support all phases of disaster management preparations, response and recovery.

A specialist FCDO Rapid Deployment Team has also travelled to Miami, ready to provide consular assistance to affected British nationals. These teams include specially trained consular staff members equipped to handle emergency situations, provide immediate logistical support, and liaise with local authorities to ensure British nationals receive the necessary assistance. British nationals in Jamaica should continue to register their presence to receive updates from the FCDO.

The UK is working with tour operators, the Jamaican authorities and its international partners, including the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and UN agencies, to ensure humanitarian assistance is delivered to affected areas and meets the immediate needs of the most vulnerable.