The Jamaica Red Cross took early action to protect people across the eight parishes most at risk, mobilising volunteers, pre-positioning emergency supplies and preparing shelters ahead of the storm’s arrival.

They mobilised 400 volunteers and released blankets, cleaning kits, hygiene kits, shelter tool kits, tarpaulins and food packages.

A total of 160 tonnes of Red Cross humanitarian aid arrived in Jamaica in the first seven days after Melissa made landfall.

So far, the International Federation of the Red Cross has distributed:

3,330 blankets
1,023 shelter tool kits
2,523 tarpaulins
1,026 hygiene kits
871 cleaning kits
800 mosquito nets
225 jerry cans
1361 bottles of water
137 kitchen sets
193 buckets
69 mattresses
26 stoves