Related videos:
The Government of the United States announced an initial package of 24 million dollars in humanitarian assistance for Caribbean countries affected by Hurricane Melissa, including Jamaica, Haiti, the Bahamas, and Cuba, aimed at supporting relief efforts following the severe damage caused by the cyclone.
According to a statement from the State Department, the funds will be used to provide shelter, drinking water, sanitation, food, emergency medical care, and hygiene supplies to the affected communities.
The document specifies that the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, authorized the allocation of resources as follows: 12 million dollars for Jamaica, 8.5 million for Haiti, 3 million designated for the people of Cuba and 500,000 dollars for the Bahamas.
The State Department explained that a team from Disaster Assistance (DART) remains deployed in Jamaica, assessing the extent of the damages and future needs in the region.
According to the official information, Hurricane Melissa, classified as a category 5 storm, made landfall on October 28 in New Hope, Jamaica, with sustained winds of 185 miles per hour, causing flooding, hospital evacuations, and loss of life in Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
President Donald Trump authorized an immediate response from the United States, instructing the Department of State to coordinate with United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations, and local governments for the delivery of aid that includes food, medical supplies, hygiene kits, temporary shelters, and search and rescue support.
The text also details that the State Department recommends making monetary donations to established relief agencies as the "most effective and fastest" way to assist with recovery efforts, as cash contributions allow for the local purchase of supplies, reducing transportation times and costs.
It also warns about potential scams and fraudulent campaigns that often arise after natural disasters, urging individuals to verify the legitimacy of organizations before making donations.
The United States also reminded that its embassies in the affected countries, including the one in Havana, maintain open lines of communication to address consular emergencies of American citizens.
Filed under: