Haiti announces three days of national mourning and a three-month state of emergency after Hurricane Melissa caused 30 deaths
MEXICO CITY: Haiti’s government has declared three days of national mourning starting Monday following Hurricane Melissa.
The hurricane killed at least 30 people in the Caribbean nation due to floods and landslides.
The government also declared a three-month state of emergency in several regions.
Hurricane Melissa also struck Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas.
In Jamaica, the hurricane hit with full force and left at least 28 people dead according to preliminary official reports.
The Jamaican Ministry of Culture said it would organise benefit concerts to raise funds for reconstruction.
Reggae musicians are set to perform under the banner “I Love Jamaica” from November 14 in Kingston.
Concerts will follow in London, New York, Toronto, and South Florida.
The full programme for the benefit concerts has not yet been announced.
Culture Minister Olivia Grange said on Instagram that reggae music has proven to be a healing balm at times of trouble.
“As we have done so many times before, we turn to our music, our Reggae music, which has proven to be a healing balm and elixir at times of trouble and distress for not only Jamaicans, but for the world,” she said. – Bernama-dpa
