(MENAFN) The United Nations (UN) has committed 4 million U.S. dollars each to Haiti and Cuba to help the nations cope with the impact of Hurricane Melissa, a spokesperson announced Wednesday.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the UN, working closely with affected countries, may launch emergency appeals to address the humanitarian needs caused by the storm.

"The Secretary-General is gravely concerned as Hurricane Melissa -- one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded -- unleashes widespread devastation across the Caribbean," Dujarric said in a statement.

The hurricane struck Jamaica on Tuesday, bringing torrential rain and violent winds, before moving toward Cuba and the Bahamas. It also triggered severe flooding in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

Local media in Haiti reported at least 20 fatalities as the storm swept through the country.

Dujarric added that the UN chief stands in solidarity with the governments and populations affected by the hurricane, offering his “heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives” and wishing “a speedy recovery to those injured.”

The funding comes from the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund, under the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs’ anticipatory action program, according to the statement.

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