United Nations, Nov 5 (NationPress) Reports indicate that at least 30 individuals have tragically lost their lives in Haiti, while over 1.5 million residents in Jamaica are grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, according to a spokesperson from the UN.

In Jamaica, the storm has caused significant damage to infrastructure, resulting in more than 130 roads being rendered impassable and disrupting power and communication systems, as detailed by Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, during a daily briefing this Tuesday.

The strain on health services is considerable, with numerous hospitals and clinics either damaged or completely destroyed. This has led to the deployment of an emergency medical team from the Pan American Health Organization, Haq noted.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has estimated that as many as 360,000 individuals may require food assistance in Jamaica.

A UN disaster assessment and coordination team is actively managing the incoming aid and coordinating relief efforts to support the Jamaican government, Haq added.

In Haiti, evaluations of the storm's devastation are ongoing, and the UN, alongside its partners, is intensifying efforts to assist those in need, as reported by the Xinhua News Agency.

The Food and Agriculture Organization has reported losses in beans, corn, and fruit crops, along with damage to fishing infrastructure, which is likely to exacerbate food insecurity in a nation where half of the population already struggles with hunger.

During a video briefing, WFP's Country Director in Cuba, Etienne Labande, stated that Hurricane Melissa caused extensive flooding, power failures, and significant damage, leading to crop losses and the destruction of many buildings in eastern Cuba.

A unique aspect of the response to this hurricane has been Cuba's anticipatory action framework, along with a pre-approved allocation from the UN, which allowed for the prepositioning of vital supplies in at-risk areas before the storm made landfall, Labande explained.

In a show of solidarity with its Global South partners, India announced on Tuesday the dispatch of 20 tonnes each of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) materials to both Jamaica and Cuba to aid in recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar tweeted, "We have sent 20 tonnes each of HADR relief materials for Jamaica and Cuba following Hurricane Melissa. An Indian Air Force flight carrying aid, including Arogya Maitri BHISHM Cube, rehabilitation items, food, daily utilities, medicines, medical equipment, power generators, shelter support, and hygiene kits, has departed from New Delhi today."