By Caribbean News Global

WASHINGTON, USA – The United States is providing an initial $24 million in emergency, life-saving assistance for Jamaica, Haiti, The Bahamas, and the people of Cuba to assist those affected by the destruction caused by hurricane Melissa, the US Department of State announced on Tuesday.

“This funding will be used to provide shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene, food assistance, and emergency healthcare. The Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) in Jamaica continues to assess the situation and determine future needs.”

Since the Category 5 hurricane hit neighbouring countries in the Caribbean, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has authorised $12 million for assistance in Jamaica, $8.5 million in assistance in Haiti, $3 million for the people of Cuba, and $500,000 for assistance in The Bahamas.

Disaster assistance response teams

The State Department’s Disaster Assistance Response Teams are the lead on the ground in Jamaica. Composed of first responders from Virginia Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue & Los Angeles County Fire Department, these teams are hard at work bringing relief and assistance to Jamaicans following hurricane Melissa.

The State Department is supporting response efforts, safeguarding US citizens, and working closely with Jamaican authorities and our partners to assist communities in the aftermath of hurricane Melissa.

Diplomatic Security Service Mobile Security Deployments are on the ground providing security support, assessments, and coordination to ensure safe and effective relief operations. We remain committed to supporting Jamaica in recovery and resilience.

As part of the State Department’s Hurricane Melissa disaster relief efforts, U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)‘s Joint Task Force-Bravo, Virginia Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue, and Los Angeles County Fire Department surveyed damage to assess needs. The United States stands with the government of Jamaica and local partners to assist the Jamaican people.