The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) is appealing to residents in communities hardest hit by hurricane Melissa to assist with the clearing of debris from football fields, community centres, and other large open spaces to facilitate the safe landing of Helicopters conducting search and rescue missions and delivering humanitarian aid.

In the aftermath of the hurricane, several areas remain inaccessible by road, and aerial operations have become critical to reaching affected residents with emergency supplies and medical assistance.

Clearing these spaces will greatly expedite the delivery of aid and ensure that search and rescue teams can operate more effectively.

Acting Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier O’neil Bogle, emphasized the importance of community partnership at this critical time noting that the Jamaica Defence Force stands with Jamaicans and asks for the continued effort of everyone to ensure that relief gets to those who need it as quickly and safely as possible.