RELIEF efforts are under way in Caribbean countries reeling from the impact of Hurricane Melissa, as the reported death toll climbed.

The Category 5 storm reached 185mph winds as it made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday and is tied as the strongest Atlantic hurricane that has ever hit land, both in wind speed and barometric pressure.

At least 25 people were killed in Haiti and eight in Jamaica, with one killed in the Dominican Republic. In Cuba, the efficient evacuation of 735,000 people from at-risk areas prevented any deaths, but the destruction of homes and infrastructure is still severe. As clean-up and the rescue of people cut off by landslides and destruction began, Havana said medical teams were also being prepared to assist other affected countries.

Britain’s Cuba Solidarity Campaign has announced an immediate transfer of £50,000 to relief efforts there and launched a Hurricane Melissa appeal. You can donate at tinyurl.com/HurricaneCSC by calling (020) 7490-5715 or emailing office@cuba-solidarity.org.uk.