King Charles and Queen Camilla have made a private donation to relief efforts in Jamaica following the devastating Hurricane Melissa, which claimed the lives of 19 people.
The King previously said he was “deeply concerned and profoundly saddened” by the scale of the damage inflicted by the storm.
The donation’s figure has not been announced, with it being fronted by the Red Cross.
Chief executive of the British Red Cross, Beatrice Butsana-Sita, explained the impact of the couple’s donation.
The King and Queen have made a donation to support relief efforts in Jamaica.
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PAShe said: “King Charles and Queen Camilla’s donation will help the IFRC (International Federation of Red Cross) network continue its lifesaving work, particularly in Jamaica, such as through search and rescue and ensuring people have access to healthcare, safe shelter, clean water, food and other essential supplies.
“The scale of this disaster is immense, and the Red Cross will be there for the long road ahead.”
Secretary General of the IFRC Jagan Chapagain added: “We are very grateful for this donation and hope it will encourage others to donate, too. Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica hard.
“Our emergency appeal is essential to raise the funds needed to help people rebuild their lives over the months and years to come.”
Hurricane Melissa took the lives of 19 people.
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REUTERSThe King issued a lengthy statement following the storm, expressing his and Queen Camilla’s “most heartfelt sympathy”.
It read: “My wife and I have been deeply concerned and profoundly saddened to see the catastrophic damage caused by the ferocity of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and across the Caribbean.
“As we continue to follow the situation closely, our anxious thoughts are with all those who have been so cruelly affected by this awful storm.
“Above all, our most heartfelt sympathy is with the families, friends and loved ones of those who have tragically lost their lives.”
Part of the King’s message read: ‘Above all, our most heartfelt sympathy is with the families, friends and loved ones of those who have tragically lost their lives’.
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PA
The King’s message continued: “Jamaica is a land for which I have had the greatest affection ever since I first visited the island while serving in the Royal Navy on the West Indies station over fifty years ago.
“I know that no disaster can break her people’s enduring spirit of strength, solidarity and steadfastness. I particularly want to express my sincere admiration for all of you, and especially for those who have responded so courageously when that spirit has been called upon in a desperate situation such as this.
“I have the greatest appreciation for the efforts of the emergency services, frontline workers and volunteers who are working bravely and tirelessly in support of rescue and recovery efforts across the island.
“This most dreadful of record-breaking storms reminds us of the increasingly urgent need to restore the balance and harmony of Nature for the sake of all those whose lives and livelihoods may have been shattered by this heartbreaking disaster. Our special prayers are with you all… Charles R.”
The UK has sent £2.5million in emergency humanitarian funding.
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REUTERS
The Government confirmed it would support Jamaica with £2.5million in emergency humanitarian funding.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “The strong links between the UK and Jamaica mean many British nationals were there during the devastation of the hurricane, and we need to ensure they can get safely home, as we know how worrying and difficult the last few days will have been.
“The UK Government is chartering flights to bolster commercial capacity and ensure people who wish to return to the UK can do so as soon as possible.”
Two specialist Rapid Deployment Teams have travelled to Jamaica to facilitate the flights and provide consular assistance.
British experts also headed to the region to help coordinate and deliver aid.