Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew says St Kitts and Nevis dispatched its first shipment of disaster relief supplies destined for sister islands in the southeastern Caribean devasted by Hurricane Beryl.

The aid left the Kittian capital Basseterre on Tuesday afternoon (July 2) aboard the Captain Hugh Mulzac, a coast guard vessel from St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The initial contribution includes 200 tarpaulin units and cases of bottled water, aiming to provide immediate relief to St Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. 

In addition to the material aid, a contingent of five security officers has been deployed to assist in response and recovery efforts on the neighbouring islands.

The northeastern islands off mainland Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinque, were hit especially hard by Beryl.

Official reports indicate that around 98 per cent of the buildings in Carriacou have been damaged or destroyed including Princess Royal Hospital, the primary health facility in Carriacou, local airport and marinas.

St Vincent recorded at least one fatality thus far in the hardest-hit Grenadines, which reports say sustained a great deal of damage.

Drew highlighted the importance of solidarity and regional cooperation in times of crisis, elucidating the collective strength and unity of the Caribbean community.

As the affected islands begin the arduous task of rebuilding, contributions from neighbouring countries provide crucial support.