Also breaking this hour, the impact of Hurricane Melissa still very much being felt with the US State Department sending emergency teams to the Caribbean to help with the hurricane response. But NBC News has also learned that disaster relief from the US was delayed because of the government shutdown as well as cuts to aid programs. Several private organizations in the US are also mobilizing relief efforts to help people in Jamaica as the island begins a long road to recovery.NBC News correspondent Jesse Ker ...

US THIS MORNING. I'M JOE FRYER. - AND I'M SAVANNAH SELLERS.THANKS FOR STARTING YOUR WEDNESDAY WITH US. WE'RE GOING TO BEGIN IN CUBA, WHERE HURRICANE MELISSA MADE ITS SECOND LANDFALL AS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CATEGORY THREE STORM JUST AFTER 3 A. M.THIS MORNING, PACKING WINDS UP TO 120MPH. THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER WARNS OF FLOODING RAINS AND DANGEROUS STORM SURGE FOR THE EASTERN PART OF THE ISLAND. CUBA'S PRESIDENT SAID.HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WERE EVACUATED, AND A HURRICANE WARNING REMAINS IN PL ...

Hurricane Impact and Response - Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 storm with winds up to 120 mph, prompting evacuation of hundreds of thousands [1][4] - Jamaica was severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa, initially a Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds reaching 185 mph, causing widespread damage and power outages affecting over 500,000 people [2] - Jamaica's infrastructure, including hospitals, roads, bridges, and waterways, sustained major damage [3] Relief and Recovery Efforts - Over 735,000 people were evacuated in Cuba, demonstrating the country's commitment to disaster preparedness despite economic challenges [6][9] - American Friends of Jamaica announced a $1 million matching fund to support relief and recovery efforts in Jamaica, focusing on partnering with local organizations [14][15] - Immediate needs in Jamaica include timber, zinc, tarpaulins, and food, as many people have lost their roofs and possessions due to torrential rains [17] - Cash donations are prioritized for immediate relief efforts, while supplies are needed later; an airlift is being staged to arrive in Jamaica as soon as the airport reopens [22][23] Community Resilience and Tourism Impact - Despite the devastation, Jamaicans are known for their resilience and strong community spirit, fostering confidence in the country's ability to recover [18][19] - The hurricane hit Jamaica on the shoulder of its high season for tourism, potentially leading to a very difficult path to recovery for the tourism capital [19]

CRAFT. >> RELIEF GROUPS HERE IN THE US ARE RIGHT NOW WATCHING AND WAITING FOR THE GREEN LIGHT TO BEGIN SENDING CRITICAL SUPPLIES INTO JAMAICA. ONCE HURRICANE MELISSA MOVES THROUGH, ONE LOCAL RESIDENT THERE SAYS HE'S AFRAID OF WHAT'S TO COME.>> IT IS NOT A JOKE. IT IS VERY SERIOUS GUYS, AND IT IS GOING TO BE SOMETHING DIFFERENT. THE FIGURES WE THINK WILL BE ASTRONOMICAL.YEAH, THEY WILL BE HARD TO DIGEST WHEN THIS IS OVER. >> JOINING ME NOW, MARLON HILL LEAD RELIEF MOBILIZER FOR CARIBBEAN STRONG, A SOUTH FLOR ...

For those impacted by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and the Bahamas, Starlink service is now free through the end of November to help with response and recovery efforts → https://t.co/fUko3xSviJ ...

Core Insights - Duke Energy Foundation has invested $33.8 million in nonprofit organizations since 2016 to enhance community resilience, emergency preparedness, and disaster relief [1][2]. Funding and Support - The investments span across Duke Energy's service areas in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee, supporting various initiatives [2][5]. - The Foundation collaborates with state and local emergency management agencies, national relief organizations, and community nonprofits to provide tailored support [2][5]. Recent Initiatives - In 2024, over $1 million was awarded to local organizations in North Carolina for storm preparedness and long-term recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene [7]. - The 2025 Helping Emergency Response Organizations (HERO) grant program in South Carolina allocated $500,000, totaling $2 million over four years, funding 137 microgrants [7]. - In Florida, $153,000 was distributed to enhance storm readiness, including initiatives like installing AEDs and providing storm kits for vulnerable populations [7]. - More than $47,000 in grants were provided to Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky for recovery from severe flooding and tornadoes [7]. Company Overview - Duke Energy is one of America's largest energy holding companies, serving 8.6 million customers and owning 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity [4][8]. - The company is focused on an ambitious energy transition, investing in electric grid upgrades and cleaner energy sources, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables, and energy storage [9].

Disaster Overview - A 60% magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan near the Pakistani border [1] - The earthquake occurred at midnight, causing widespread disruption and collapsing fragile homes [1][2] - Roads were blocked, hindering first responders from reaching the affected area [2] Humanitarian Crisis - Many people in the remote region live in desperate poverty, making less than a dollar a day [2] - At least 800 people have died, and the death toll is expected to rise [3] - The Taliban Health Ministry has requested international assistance [3] Government Response - People are dependent on the Taliban government for help [2] - The government is urged to provide assistance to those affected [3]

Core Points - The Baotou Municipal Finance Bureau has allocated a total of 54.87 million yuan for disaster relief, agricultural production, and water conservancy rescue efforts [1] - Baotou City has recently experienced unprecedented heavy rainfall, leading to severe flooding that threatens the safety of people's lives and property [1] - The city is taking swift action to ensure the rescue and relocation of affected individuals, emergency response, secondary disaster risk assessment, and the repair of damaged houses [1]

Uh, in the meantime, the National Governor Association is holding its summer meeting starting today and tomorrow in Colorado Springs. The current chairman, Democratic Governor Jared Poliss of Colorado, will be passing the gavl to Republican Governor Kevin State of Oklahoma, who will serve as the new chair of the NGA. Democratic Governor Wesmore of Maryland will serve as the new vice chair.And the incoming chairman, Governor Stit, joins us now along with the incoming vice chair, Governor Moore. A bipartisan ...

Core Perspective - Dr. Anosh Ahmed's foundation is launching a relief initiative to assist families affected by recent floods in Texas, focusing on financial assistance, support for grieving families, and home reconstruction for uninsured residents [1][3]. Group 1: Relief Initiative Details - The relief initiative includes direct financial assistance to families who have lost loved ones, shelter and essential supplies for displaced residents, and home rebuilding assistance for uninsured families [5][6]. - The foundation will collaborate with churches, community organizations, and first responders to ensure effective outreach [6]. - A special "Texas Strong: America First Gala" will be hosted in Dallas to raise additional funds and awareness for the relief efforts [7]. Group 2: Focus on Specific Groups - The relief plan prioritizes veterans, police officers, and military families in housing and aid programs, reflecting a commitment to support those who serve [8]. - The initiative also includes providing mental health and grief counseling resources for affected individuals [9]. Group 3: Foundation Background - The Anosh Supports America First Foundation was established to uphold American values and support military, law enforcement, first responders, and patriotic communities [3][4]. - Dr. Anosh Ahmed emphasizes that the foundation's mission extends into disaster relief, reinforcing the belief that helping those in need is a fundamental American act [3].