United Nations Stands in Solidarity with Jamaica Amidst the Impacts of Hurricane Melissa

The hurricane has brought with it devastating winds, life-threatening storm surges, and torrential rainfall, posing a significant threat to lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure across the island.

In anticipation of the storm’s impact, the United Nations system in Jamaica, under the leadership of Resident Coordinator Mr. Dennis Zulu, is working in close coordination with the Government of Jamaica and national emergency response agencies to bolster preparedness and response efforts.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is actively supporting regional coordination efforts and has deployed staff to Jamaica to strengthen emergency preparedness and facilitate effective response operations.

Key UN agencies are mobilizing critical support as follows:

• World Food Programme (WFP) is providing essential logistics support, including the deployment of generators to ensure continuity of critical services.

• United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has pre-positioned water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) supplies, along with materials to support child protection and psychosocial care.
• Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is reinforcing national health emergency operations and ensuring readiness of medical facilities.
• International Organization for Migration (IOM) is preparing shelter support for displaced populations and vulnerable communities.
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UN Women and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) are mobilizing resources for early recovery, food security, and protection of women, girls, and other at-risk groups.

The UN remains committed to supporting the Government of Jamaica in addressing immediate humanitarian needs, including emergency shelter, access to clean water, hygiene supplies, and logistical support to reach affected and isolated communities.

 The United Nations reiterates its unwavering commitment to the people of Jamaica during this challenging time and will continue to work hand-in-hand with national authorities and partners to ensure a coordinated and effective response.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Maxsalia Salmon
Partnership and Development Finance Officer 
Email address: maxsalia.salmon@un.org

CUG:876-509-0074