UK Sends Aid to Jamaica Amid Hurricane Melissa Aftermath

Mon Nov 10 2025 23:36:42 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The UK dispatched emergency aid to Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, as efforts to evacuate British nationals begin amidst widespread destruction.

As Jamaica grapples with the devastation of Hurricane Melissa, a UK aid flight delivering essential supplies has arrived. Meanwhile, the British government plans to evacuate its nationals from the island as reports of significant destruction and casualties emerge.

A flight carrying British aid arrived in Jamaica early on Saturday to assist with recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa, as the UK arranges its first chartered flight to repatriate British nationals later on the same day.

The aid flight delivered more than 3,000 emergency shelter kits as part of a £7.5 million regional emergency package, which will also include up to £1 million in matching public donations to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent. Notable contributions have come from King Charles and Queen Camilla.

Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica earlier this week as a Category 5 storm, wreaking havoc and claiming at least 19 lives on the island. As challenges related to fallen trees and landslides hinder the distribution of aid, communities remain marooned.

Hurricane Melissa was accompanied by catastrophic consequences throughout the Caribbean, with Haiti reporting a death toll of over 30 and flooding reported in Cuba.

Jamaica's Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon stated, there are entire communities that seem to be marooned and areas that seem to be flattened. In response to the escalating situation, the UK established a £2.5 million immediate support fund, with further support announced by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.

As aid agencies work to provide relief, they highlight that over 72% of Jamaica remains without electricity, and thousands are currently housed in emergency shelters. Amid prevailing shortages, reports of frustration among the populace continue to rise as they seek food and resources in supermarkets.

Dr. Christopher Tufton, Jamaica's Health Minister, reported significant damage to hospitals, stating that Black River Hospital in St Elizabeth would need to be temporarily relocated. He emphasized the importance of ongoing fuel and water supplies to maintain essential services.

Despite infrastructural challenges, aid organizations have mobilized, with some employing convoys to deliver humanitarian assistance to the hardest-hit areas. The UK's charter flight to bring home British citizens will depart from Kingston, as authorities continue to handle the unfolding crisis.