Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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November 3, 2025 Humanitarian aid
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed solidarity with the people of Jamaica, who have been particularly hard hit by the devastating effects of Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record.
In a phone call with Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Sunday, Guterres stressed that "international support is critical" to help Jamaica. cope with the consequences of a Category 5 hurricaneThe UN chief called for the mobilization of significant resources to address the consequences of the natural disaster.
The UN allocated $4 million
UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher has released $4 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to enable UN agencies and their partners to rapidly scale up humanitarian operations in Jamaica.
Five days after the hurricane struck the western part of the island, many residents, according to local media, are still waiting for aid – roads are impassable, and entire neighborhoods remain without power and water. According to government data, the death toll has reached at least 28.
The UN Resident Coordinator on the island, Dennis Zulu, said 13 UN agencies were working with authorities to clear roads and help restore critical infrastructure.
Support for children and families
According to the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), more than 700,000 children in the Caribbean region, including Jamaica, Haiti and western Haiti, were affected by the hurricane.
Together with the Government of Jamaica, UNICEF provides nutrition assistance, sanitation and hygiene support, and psychological support to 284,000 children.
In Haiti, the UN agency is supplying hygiene kits and medical supplies, as well as providing cash assistance to families with children.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and UNICEF delivered humanitarian supplies to Cuba for more than 90,000 people affected by the hurricane.
International solidarity
“At times like these, international solidarity is not just a principle, it’s a lifeline,” said OCHA Director Tom Fletcher.
UN teams are already in Jamaica, helping coordinate the humanitarian response and ensure effective information sharing. UN agencies and NGOs are restoring access to affected areas, providing medical assistance and clean water, and assisting families who have lost their homes.
Cuba managed to prepare for the hurricane's onslaught.
The $4 million CERF funding allocated to Cuba in advance allowed UN agencies to stockpile essential supplies before the disaster struck. The World Food Programme (WFP) provided food for 180,000 people, while UNICEF provided mobile water purification units and hygiene kits.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) pre-delivered medicines and generators, while the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) provided seeds and materials to protect shelters and critical resources. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) distributed health and dignity kits for women and girls.
Haiti: Early Warnings
In Haiti, where the crisis is exacerbated by gang violence, humanitarian teams are working with authorities to provide emergency assistance. Just days before the disaster struck, thanks to $4 million from CERF, preparations were made – more than 3.5 million warning messages were sent, helping save lives.
UN agencies and their partners are providing assistance to those forced to live in temporary shelters, providing food, essential items and cash support to those in need.
"Local leadership, global solidarity, and early action are saving lives across the region," said Tom Fletcher. "This is the new humanitarian model in action—working together for greater impact."
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