How is the Indian Community Supporting Relief Efforts in Hurricane-Hit Jamaica?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Indian community raised over $3.2 million for Hurricane Melissa relief.
- Delivered 550 care packages to affected households.
- India sent 20 tonnes of humanitarian aid to support recovery.
- Key support included medical trauma units and essential supplies.
- Efforts reflect the spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'.
Kingston, Nov 15 (NationPress) Affirming India's support for Jamaica, members of the Indian community in Kingston actively engaged with impacted areas in St. Elizabeth Parish, aiding in recovery operations after the destruction inflicted by Hurricane Melissa.
The High Commission of India in Kingston lauded the Indian community for gathering over 3.2 million dollars for urgent aid and for their dedicated efforts in assembling and distributing 550 care packages, cookers, clothing, bags, and hygiene kits, among other supplies, to households in St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and Black River.
"India stands united with Jamaica in relief, recovery, and rebuilding efforts. The empathy and unity displayed by the Indian community embody the Indian philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' -- the world is one family," the Indian High Commission in Kingston tweeted on Saturday.
The Indian community's initiative, led by Gul Mansukhani, included participation from Indian High Commissioner to Jamaica, Mayank Joshi, and Jamaican Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, Floyd Green.
Recently, India sent 20 tonnes of Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) supplies to Jamaica to bolster recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa.
This shipment from the Government of India, which arrived in Kingston via a C-17 aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF), was transferred to the Jamaican Government.
"India is committed to providing support to Jamaica and partners in the Global South during challenging times," the Indian High Commission in Kingston stated on X.
The relief supplies feature a special Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita, and Maitri (BHISHM) medical trauma unit, along with generators, tents, bedding, kitchen kits, solar lanterns, hygiene kits, and other vital resources for post-hurricane recovery.
The highlight of the HADR operation was the BHISHM modular trauma kit, which includes 72 boxes of modular medical and surgical kits assembled as a cube. This innovative kit, developed in India, aims to provide essential first-line emergency medical assistance in field conditions.