The British Government says it is providing £2.5 million (about $510 million) in emergency funding to support recovery from Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in the Caribbean.

“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,” the British High Commission in Jamaica said in a news release on Wednesday.

“These emergency relief supplies have already been prepositioned in Antigua to ensure they can be rapidly deployed to where they are needed most,” the high commission said, adding that humanitarian and technical experts from the United Kingdom (UK) are also being deployed to the region to assist with the coordination and delivery of aid.

“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,” the release quotes Britain’s Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.

COOPER… the UK is acting swiftly to support the Jamaican authorities in providing disaster relief and expertise in response to this terrible storm

British High Commissioner to Jamaica Alicia Herbert expressed deep sadness at the loss and disruption caused by the hurricane and said the UK stands in full solidarity with the people of Jamaica.

“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,” the release quotes Herbert.

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

A specialist Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Rapid Deployment Team has also travelled to Miami, ready to provide consular assistance to affected British nationals. The team includes 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.

The high commission also advised British nationals in Jamaica to 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, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and UN agencies, to ensure humanitarian assistance is delivered to affected areas and meets the immediate needs of the most vulnerable,” the high commission said.

HERBERT… 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