Reggae superstar Sean Paul has described the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica as “overwhelming.” The Category 5 storm, which hit last week with winds up to 185 mph (295 km/h), caused widespread devastation and resulted in at least 28 fatalities. Paul, who was in Kingston with his family during the storm, shared his personal experience, highlighting the frightening impact on his children. “That’s the first time they’ve seen trees dance like that and the wind move like that,” he told BBC News. “They’re in shock still, and traumatised.” He added that the situation for those in the hardest-hit areas felt like “the Middle Ages.”
Paul, who has pledged $50,000 to Food For The Poor Jamaica, spoke candidly about the emotional toll of witnessing the destruction. “After days and days of communication and trying to help out in different ways, on Saturday I broke down,” he admitted. “It’s just the amount of energy it takes, and the depression that starts to set in, and then you have to shake yourself out of it because there’s just so much to be done that we haven’t even tipped the iceberg yet.”
He detailed the struggles faced by residents, including a lack of electricity and communication, with many unable to contact loved ones. “I just heard a story of 15 babies that were under three months old, but they’re sleeping in cardboard boxes right now,” he shared, emphasizing the critical need for aid.
Fellow Jamaican artist Shaggy has also been actively involved in relief efforts, organizing convoys to deliver essential supplies. He described the devastation as heartbreaking, stating, “I’ve never seen anything like this, it looks like a bomb exploded.” The artists are planning a charity concert in December to further support recovery efforts.