The death toll from Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica has climbed to 45, and 15 individuals are currently missing, according to authorities’ latest update on Tuesday. The number of casualties is expected to increase as efforts continue to access two isolated towns following the devastating Category 5 storm that struck western Jamaica on October 28.
Emergency management director Alvin Gayle mentioned that helicopters have been delivering essential supplies to the disconnected communities. The storm has forced 30,000 households to relocate, with 1,100 individuals still residing in 88 open emergency shelters. Clearing operations are ongoing with about 36 roadways obstructed due to debris.
Reports indicate that half of the mobile service customers have been restored, and over 70% now have access to water services. Power has been reinstated to more than 60% of customers, a significant achievement considering the widespread destruction, as stated by Hugh Grant, the president, and CEO of the local power utility. Notably, power has been reinstated at Montego Bay’s international airport.
Hurricane Melissa, among the fiercest Atlantic hurricanes recorded, severely impacted Jamaica’s western areas before moving on to eastern Cuba, causing widespread destruction to residences and agricultural lands. The storm also triggered severe flooding in southwestern Haiti, resulting in at least 43 fatalities.
In response to the crisis, substantial aid has been dispatched to all three affected nations. The U.S. government recently allocated an additional $10 million USD for Jamaica and $2.5 million for Haiti, bringing the total relief package for the affected countries, including Cuba and the Bahamas, to nearly $37 million.
