"Working around the clock": Diligent HMS Trent fully deployed to those "hardest hit" by Hurricane Melissa
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Determined Royal Navy sailors have been deployed to Jamaica after the country was ravaged by a ferocious storm.
The Caribbean nation was hit by Hurricane Melissa, a Category five storm, on October 28. Entire towns were swept underwater, hospitals were destroyed, and strong gales blew away various structures.
With wind speeds of up to 185mph, the hurricane tore through Cuba, the Bahamas, Jamaica. Bermuda, and other parts of the region. As of Monday (October 3), 67 people have been killed and thousands left homeless.
Prime minister Keir Starmer previously confirmed that HMS Trent and “specialist rapid deployment teams” were ready to respond to help those in need. Communities in Jamaica will now receive targeted support from the River-class offshore patrol vessel.
Defence secretary John Healey said: “I’m proud of our British Armed Forces for the important role they play in disaster relief missions. Our Royal Navy and British Army personnel will support their civilian colleagues with specialist engineering expertise to assist local recovery efforts– as Britain steps up to support those in need.”
HMS Trent carries a crew of 75 personnel, including specialist engineers. They will carry out infrastructure assessments and emergency repairs alongside Jamaican authorities. The Portsmouth-based ship relieved HMS Medway in San Juan, Puerto Rico, last month - where she will spend several months in the Caribbean. She will prioritise the support of British Overseas Territories dealing with natural disasters, while also conducting counter-drug trafficking operations.
The UK has announced a wider package of support for Jamaica, including over 3,000 shelter kits and over 1,500 solar powered lanterns to help those whose homes have been damaged and those without power. A Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is currently in Jamaica to assist British nationals.
Drones are also available to the Royal Navy personnel to conduct reconnaissance missions of damaged areas. After initially deployed to the Turks and Caicos Islands, she was asked to deploy to Jamaica on Monday (November 3). The government announced £7.5m in emergency funding to support immediate humanitarian needs in the region.
Minister for the Caribbean Chris Elmore, Labour MP for Bridgend, said: “UK government teams have been working around the clock to get relief supplies to those hardest hit by the hurricane, and The Royal Navy’s HMS Trent has arrived to assist with local recovery efforts. British personnel are on board to help restore vital infrastructure for communities affected by the storm, supporting those most in need.”