KINGSTON, Jamaica, 2 November (H.S.): The United Kingdom is evacuating its citizens from Jamaica on Saturday, as the island nation grapples with the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that has killed at least 19 people locally and left a trail of destruction.

The British government has committed a £7.5 million emergency aid package for the region and is chartering a flight from Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport to repatriate its nationals. King Charles and Queen Camilla have also made a personal donation to the Red Cross relief efforts.Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the Caribbean, made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, bringing extreme winds and devastating flooding.

The storm also battered Haiti, where at least 30 people were killed, and caused flooding and landslides in Cuba .The situation on the ground in Jamaica remains dire. Blocked roads, downed power lines, and landslides are severely hampering aid distribution. Across the island, 72% of the population is without electricity, and around 6,000 people have been forced into emergency shelters.

The coastal town of Black River was particularly devastated, with reports indicating nearly 90% of its buildings have lost their roofs. Hospitals have sustained significant damage, and there are growing reports of desperation as people face shortages of food, clean water, and fuel.While international aid is arriving, including convoys organized by diaspora communities, authorities acknowledge that it is only a fraction of what is needed as the country begins to confront the immense task of recovery.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar