The death toll from Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica has climbed to 45 confirmed fatalities, with 15 individuals still missing, as per authorities’ latest update on Tuesday. Anticipated to increase further, the toll rise is attributed to difficulties in reaching two isolated towns that were severely impacted when the Category 5 storm hit western Jamaica on October 28.
Efforts to provide aid to these communities have involved helicopter drops of essential supplies, according to Alvin Gayle, the director general of Jamaica’s emergency management office. The storm has resulted in the displacement of 30,000 households, with 1,100 individuals currently residing in 88 operational emergency shelters.
Significant challenges persist, with around 35 roadways obstructed due to debris clearing operations. Despite the hurdles, mobile services have been restored for 50% of customers, and over 70% now have access to water services.
Meanwhile, progress has been made in restoring power to over 60% of customers, with particular emphasis on the recent restoration of power at Montego Bay’s international airport. Acknowledging the extensive damage, Hugh Grant, the president and CEO of Jamaica’s power company, described the power restoration milestone as significant.
Hurricane Melissa, characterized as one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record, wrought havoc in Jamaica and later made landfall in eastern Cuba, causing widespread destruction to homes and agricultural lands. Additionally, the storm triggered severe flooding in southwestern Haiti, resulting in a reported 43 fatalities.
In response to the devastation, substantial aid has been mobilized for the affected countries. The U.S. government announced an allocation of an extra $10 million for Jamaica and $2.5 million for Haiti, bringing the total assistance for the impacted nations, including Cuba and the Bahamas, to nearly $37 million.
As recovery efforts continue, the affected regions are grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa and the long road to restoration ahead.