The United States has announced US$12 million in life-saving assistance for Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

According to the US Embassy in Kingston, this week, the United States is delivering emergency supplies to provide shelter, clean water, sanitation, hygiene, food assistance, and emergency healthcare to those affected by the storm.

Among relief supplies being provided are hygiene kits for 12 ,000 families, 12,000 shelter fixing kits, and 12,000 tarps to support the immediate shelter and hygiene needs of approximately 60,000 people.

The US is also providing emergency food supplies for 40,000 people, as well as six water treatment systems, each capable of producing 4,000 liters of safe drinking, water per hour.

Additional aid includes, the installation of static health facilities and mobile medical services to restore and expand access to primary health care and logistics and transportation support to move relief supplies throughout the country and reach affected families quickly.

The United States says it will continue to work closely with the Jamaican government to assess the damage and determine future needs.