The UK government has announced £2.5 million in emergency funding to support Jamaica’s recovery from the devastation left behind by Hurricane Melissa. The aid, confirmed by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), will be used to provide essential relief supplies and technical assistance to those affected.

According to the FCDO, the funding will go toward emergency items such as shelter kits, water filters and blankets, as well as support for local recovery operations. UK relief supplies and technical experts have already been deployed to help with disaster response efforts on the island.

During Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Sir Keir Starmer described the scenes emerging from Jamaica as “truly shocking.” He told MPs that the Royal Navy’s HMS Trent had been “pre-positioned in the region” and was ready to provide additional support as needed.

An estimated 8,000 Britons are currently in Jamaica, and the FCDO has urged them to register their presence to receive safety updates and consular support. A specialist FCDO team has also been sent to Miami to coordinate assistance for affected British nationals.

King Charles shared his condolences in a statement posted on X, saying he and Queen Camilla were “deeply concerned and profoundly saddened to see the catastrophic damage caused by the ferocity of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and across the Caribbean.”

He added, “Above all, our most heartfelt sympathy is with the families, friends and loved ones of those who have tragically lost their lives.”

The Category 4 hurricane left widespread destruction across Jamaica, with homes destroyed, power lines torn down, and entire communities displaced. Emergency responders continue to work around the clock to locate missing residents and restore vital infrastructure.

British officials have said the funding represents the first phase of the UK’s humanitarian response, with further assistance expected as recovery efforts progress.

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