KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) — Rescuers and aid workers have mobilized across Jamaica to distribute essential food and water to communities that remained isolated four days after Hurricane Melissa devastated the island. The hurricane, which struck Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 storm, wreaked havoc, snapping power lines, toppling buildings, and destroying crop fields.
Much-needed relief supplies are beginning to reach hurricane-affected areas including Elizabeth and Westmoreland, where fallen concrete posts and trees obstructed roads. In some locations, residents were left with no choice but to collect muddy water from rivers for their daily needs and resorted to eating coconuts and roasting breadfruit.
Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. participated in several convoys aimed at delivering ready-to-eat meals, bottled water, tarpaulins, blankets, medicine, and other vital supplies. The impact of Melissa has been severe, contributing to at least 19 confirmed deaths in Jamaica, while a total of 31 fatalities have been reported in neighboring Haiti.
Hurricane Melissa is considered one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes to ever make landfall, with peak winds recorded at 185 mph (295 kph). The U.S. has also extended its assistance, with a regional disaster response team activated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio arriving on the scene to aid Jamaica's recovery efforts. The U.S. Embassy in Jamaica has expressed its commitment to stand by the nation as it tackles the aftermath of the storm.
In a social media outreach, Jamaica's Water and Environment Minister Matthew Samuda sought tarpaulins online after Melissa's winds ripped off roofs from numerous homes in western Jamaica. Users on the platform X responded, offering leads on supply locations. Significant damage has also been reported in Falmouth, a popular fishing destination on Jamaica’s north coast, which experienced flooding and structural collapse.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasized that restoring electricity and telecommunications, as well as stabilizing essential services at Falmouth Hospital, are immediate priorities. He remarked on the possibility of rebuilding Jamaica to be "stronger and wiser" than before the hurricane struck.
In the wake of the disaster, the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) announced a record payout of $70.8 million to Jamaica. This facility allows Caribbean nations to pool their risks and obtain affordable insurance coverage against natural disasters, and the funds are expected to be disbursed within 14 days. Finance Minister Fayval Williams detailed that this payout forms part of a broader financial strategy, which also includes a contingencies fund, national disaster reserve, and catastrophe bonds.
Government officials have confirmed that damage assessments are still in progress as the recovery effort continues.
