In a coordinated effort to address the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) is collaborating closely with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to finalize assistance strategies for the impacted nations. Jamaica, Haiti, and the Bahamas, which bore the brunt of the hurricane earlier this week, are the primary focus of these relief operations. NODS has maintained continuous communication with CDEMA and other regional organizations to streamline logistics for an effective joint response. An official needs list for Jamaica has already been published, accessible via supportjamaica.gov.jm/needs, while NODS plans to release a similar list for local public support once transportation logistics are confirmed. Meanwhile, CDEMA has placed various assessment and response teams on standby, including personnel from Antigua and Barbuda’s police, fire, and defense forces, who are integral members of the Caricom Disaster Relief Unit (CDRU). The CDRU plays a critical role in providing immediate humanitarian aid, facilitating logistics, supporting emergency telecommunications, and coordinating both national and regional relief efforts. Further updates will be shared with the public as the situation evolves.
