The Government of Belize announced this Tuesday the delivery of 400 thousand dollars to the governments of Cuba and Jamaica to support humanitarian relief efforts after the passage of the Hurricane Melissawhich affected several Caribbean countries, causing 89 deaths and numerous material damages.
“The Government of Belize has contributed $200,000 to each of the governments of Jamaica and the Republic of Cuba to support immediate humanitarian aid following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, which severely affected both countries,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belize said in a statement.
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in the southwest of Jamaica with category 5 on October 28, this being the area most affected by the cyclone, considered the most intense of the current Atlantic season. A day later, the phenomenon reached the eastern end of Cuba, where it also caused serious material and human damage.
After the last update this Tuesday from the Jamaican authorities, the number of deaths on this island due to the passage of Hurricane Melissa rises to 45, while in Haiti it left 43 dead and one in the Dominican Republic.
For its part, the Government of Cuba recognized that close to a million people are still without electricity supply due to the meteorological phenomenon.
The Government of Belize highlighted in the statement that this hurricane was one of the “most powerful ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean, causing extensive damage to homes, public infrastructure and essential services” and “reminding the deadly and costly consequences of climate change, which disproportionately affect small island developing States.”
“Belize stands in firm solidarity with the governments and people of Jamaica and the Republic of Cuba as they work towards recovery and reconstruction. Our countries remain united by a lasting bond of friendship, cooperation and mutual support,” he stressed.
In addition to financial aid, Belize sent relief supplies to Belizean students residing in Jamaica and Cuba. The shipment included essential personal hygiene items, canned food supplies and cash.
Belizean authorities stated that they are closely monitoring the situation and are ready to provide additional support if necessary.
With Melissa there are 13 cyclones this season in the Atlantic: hurricanes Erin, Gabrielle, Humberto and Imelda, and storms Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dexter, Fernand, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo and Melissa, among which Chantal had been the only one to make landfall in the US in July, leaving two dead in North Carolina.
