Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke has indicated that $5 billion will be used from the country’s disaster risk financing resources to address immediate relief and recovery efforts associated with Hurricane Beryl.

The outer bands of Hurricane Beryl swept over Jamaica on July 3, causing significant damage to homes, roads and other infrastructure.

Speaking in Parliament this afternoon, Dr. Clarke noted that with the country at the beginning of the hurricane season, the country’s disaster resources have to be managed carefully.

Dr. Clarke said any expenditure beyond the $5 billion this fiscal year will be financed through donations.

He said donations to the country so far stand at approximately $700 million.

He noted that all expenditures undertaken and planned in relation to Hurricane Beryl will be presented in the first supplementary estimates to be tabled later this year.