The United States will provide approximately $12.5 million in additional assistance to Caribbean countries affected by the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.
A statement released by the U.S. State Department clarified that approximately $10 million will be sent to Jamaica and $2.5 million to Haiti as emergency humanitarian support.
The funds will be used to clear debris, provide access to isolated areas, provide temporary shelter, medical assistance, as well as supplies of hygiene products and food.
Thus, the total amount of American assistance after Hurricane Melissa reached approximately $37 million, including $22 million for Jamaica, $11 million for Haiti, $3 million for Cuba and $500 thousand for the Bahamas.
Hurricane Melissa, which reached a maximum of category 5, struck Haiti, Jamaica and Cuba, causing widespread destruction.
Floods caused by the disaster killed 75 people in Haiti and Jamaica, and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness estimated damage at more than $6 billion.