The federal government has announced $7 million in humanitarian aid to assist Caribbean nations struggling to recover from the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa.

Randeep Sarai, secretary of state for international development, said the funding includes $5 million for emergency health and relief operations through humanitarian organizations, and an additional $2 million to the World Food Programme to support food distribution in Jamaica.

Sarai said Canada is also ready to send supplies from its emergency stockpile through the Red Cross if requested by affected countries. The government is focusing on immediate relief needs while preparing to support long-term rebuilding efforts across the region.

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, has caused widespread devastation in Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti, resulting in dozens of deaths and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. Ottawa has previously supported Caribbean disaster preparedness programs and continues to advocate for reforms that help vulnerable nations access financing for climate-resilient infrastructure.

UNICEF estimates that over 700,000 children in the Caribbean have been affected by the storm, with many displaced and left without access to essential services.