Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston has emerged as the central distribution point for humanitarian assistance following Hurricane Melissa's devastation across Jamaica. Transport Minister Daryl Vaz reported that 20 cargo aircraft were expected on Friday, Oct. 31, supplementing 13 freight deliveries and multiple passenger planes that arrived on Thursday carrying disaster relief materials.
Vaz addressed reporters at Jamaica House on Friday, expressing gratitude for widespread global backing from governments and charitable groups. American military helicopters have joined the airlift operation, equipped to evacuate injured residents and haul substantial quantities of aid into storm-damaged zones. Several major Jamaican charities deployed private rotorcraft to move provisions into affected regions.
The minister explained that the Jamaica Defence Force personnel will direct all helicopter movements while synchronizing efforts among aid organizations and government agencies responsible for social services. The coordinated approach aims to reach as many isolated communities as rapidly as possible during recovery from the catastrophic Category 5 system.
Vaz addressed reporters at Jamaica House on Friday, expressing gratitude for widespread global backing from governments and charitable groups. American military helicopters have joined the airlift operation, equipped to evacuate injured residents and haul substantial quantities of aid into storm-damaged zones. Several major Jamaican charities deployed private rotorcraft to move provisions into affected regions.
The minister explained that the Jamaica Defence Force personnel will direct all helicopter movements while synchronizing efforts among aid organizations and government agencies responsible for social services. The coordinated approach aims to reach as many isolated communities as rapidly as possible during recovery from the catastrophic Category 5 system.
