In a heartfelt social media statement on Wednesday, Britain’s King Charles III expressed deep sorrow over the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa on the Caribbean, describing the destruction as a “heartbreaking” reminder of the urgent need to restore nature’s balance. The monarch, alongside Queen Camilla, conveyed their profound sadness at witnessing the devastation caused by the record-breaking storm in Jamaica and across the region.
Earlier in the day, the UK government pledged £2.5 million (US$3.3 million) in emergency funding to support relief efforts in the affected areas, which include Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled the storm’s aftermath as “truly shocking,” emphasizing the scale of the disaster.
The emergency funds will be allocated for essential supplies such as shelter kits, water filters, and blankets, as well as initiatives to prevent injuries and disease outbreaks. Additionally, the UK Foreign Office has established a crisis center to offer consular assistance to British nationals in the region, while a Royal Navy ship stands ready to deliver humanitarian aid.
Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on Tuesday, unleashing winds of nearly 185 miles (300 kilometers) per hour, causing widespread devastation. The storm subsequently hit Cuba and Haiti, where it left 30 people dead or missing. King Charles III’s message underscored the growing imperative to address environmental imbalances to safeguard lives and livelihoods in the face of such disasters.