The Caribbean nation of Jamaica is reeling from the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, with the confirmed death toll rising to 28, as announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness. This tragic figure, updated from nine previously reported fatalities, is feared to increase as verification of potential deaths is ongoing. Rescue and aid operations are facing immense difficulties in reaching many areas due to the extensive damage caused by the storm, including blocked roads and persistent flooding.
Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 5 storm, has already caused numerous fatalities across the Caribbean, bringing severe winds and triggering landslides in Cuba and Haiti. Jamaica has borne the brunt of the hurricane’s fury, with communication systems and power networks severely compromised since its landfall on Tuesday. Western parts of the island, particularly Black River and Montego Bay, have experienced the most severe destruction. Eyewitness accounts and images reveal scenes of utter devastation, with buildings reduced to rubble, streets littered with debris, and entire neighborhoods submerged in floodwaters.
The Red Cross reports that a staggering 72% of Jamaica’s population remains without electricity, and approximately 6,000 individuals are currently housed in emergency shelters. In response to the crisis, Jamaican authorities are establishing multiple field hospitals in the hardest-hit western regions to provide much-needed medical assistance.
Initial aid efforts were hampered by the temporary closure of Jamaica’s airports. Even with aid now arriving, the distribution process is severely complicated by the ongoing challenges of impassable roads due to landslides, downed power lines, and fallen trees. The urgent need for clean drinking water, food, and medicine has led to desperate situations, with some residents reportedly resorting to entering supermarkets and pharmacies to gather essential supplies.
Hurricane Melissa has marked a significant event, becoming the most powerful storm on record to hit Jamaica and one of the strongest to ever impact the Caribbean. At its peak, the hurricane sustained winds of 185 mph (295 km/h), classifying it as a Category 5 storm, which is capable of causing catastrophic damage.
Beyond Jamaica, the hurricane’s devastating path has also affected other Caribbean nations, with at least 31 deaths reported in Haiti and two in the Dominican Republic. Cuba has seen thousands evacuated and over 60,000 homes damaged or destroyed.
Scientists note that while the direct link between climate change and the frequency of such powerful storms is still being researched, warmer sea surface temperatures provide more energy for hurricanes, potentially leading to increased intensity and extreme rainfall events. Ahead of this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, forecasters had predicted an above-normal level of activity.