The Chinese Navy's hospital ship "Silk Road Art" will provide emergency aid to Jamaica after a powerful hurricane lashed the country in the end of October, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Guo Jiakun confirmed on Monday.
"Recently, the Chinese Navy's hospital ship the 'Silk Road Ark' arrived in Jamaica and will dock at multiple ports to provide humanitarian medical services to the Jamaican people affected by Hurricane Melissa. China empathizes deeply with Jamaica over the severe hurricane disaster it has suffered, and has provided emergency disaster relief assistance based on Jamaica's needs," Guo said at a press conference in Beijing in response to a media query.
"We believe that the 'Silk Road Ark' will convey China's friendship to the affected communities in Jamaica, helping to bolster their confidence as they overcome the disaster and rebuild their homes," said the spokesman.
The "Silk Road Ark" arrived at Montego Bay of Jamaica on Thursday for a 12-day visit. At the request of the Jamaican side, the Chinese hospital ship will dock at three ports in Jamaica - Montego Bay, Kingston, and Falmouth - to provide medical services to local residents.
On October 28, Jamaica was struck by a severe storm, which put the local healthcare system under immense pressure. Many patients urgently needing surgery have been waiting for treatment as the island sufferes medical facility damages and resource shortages.
Chinese naval hospital ship offers emergency aid to hurricane-hit Jamaica: spokesman
