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Hurricane Melissa: the UK’s response
04 November 2025
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
At a Glance
Issue Summary
The statement provides an update on the impact of Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, and other affected regions.
Action Requested
The Government has mobilised emergency funding of £7.5 million, deployed humanitarian experts, and sent military support to aid recovery efforts. The UK stands ready to match public donations up to £1 million for the Red Cross appeal.
Key Facts
- Hurricane Melissa caused severe flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage across Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and The Bahamas.
- Over 5.5 million people have been affected; at least 65 deaths reported with potential higher numbers.
- At least 25,000 people displaced in Jamaica alone.
- A UK military team pre-deployed to the Turks and Caicos Islands before Hurricane Melissa's impact.
- HMS Trent provided additional support in the Turks and Caicos Islands after the hurricane passed.
- The UK Government mobilised £7.5 million in emergency funding, including £1 million each to the Red Cross appeal and UN World Food Programme (WFP).
- Jamaica will receive approximately $71m from hurricane insurance within 14 days via CCRIF.
- Seven UK humanitarian experts are currently in Jamaica to assess needs and speed up aid delivery.
- HMS Trent arrived off the coast of Jamaica on November 4th to assist with relief efforts.
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