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Jamaica's Death Toll Rises to 28 After Hurricane Melissa
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced Saturday that the number of confirmed fatalities from Hurricane Melissa has reached 28, with additional unconfirmed reports suggesting the toll could climb further. The Category 5 storm, the strongest to ever hit the island, has left vast swaths of the country devastated, cutting off power, communications, and critical aid routes.
Widespread Destruction and Blocked Aid Routes
Emergency responders face severe challenges in accessing hard-hit regions, particularly in western Jamaica, including Black River and Montego Bay. Flooding, landslides, and debris-littered roads have rendered many areas nearly impossible to reach, delaying relief efforts. The Red Cross reports that 72% of the island remains without electricity, while roughly 6,000 displaced residents are sheltering in emergency facilities.
Initial aid deliveries were stalled by the temporary closure of Jamaica's airports. Even as supplies now arrive, distribution remains hampered by impassable roads-blocked by fallen trees, power lines, and mudslides-leaving thousands without clean water, food, or medical care. Desperation has driven some to raid supermarkets and pharmacies for essentials, officials told AFP.
Field hospitals are being urgently deployed to treat injuries in the worst-affected western communities, where infrastructure damage is most severe.
Jamaican government statement to AFP
Record-Breaking Storm Leaves Unprecedented Damage
Hurricane Melissa made landfall on Tuesday with sustained winds of 185 mph (295 km/h), making it the most powerful storm in Jamaica's recorded history and among the strongest ever in the Caribbean. The hurricane's catastrophic winds and torrential rains triggered landslides, flattened buildings, and submerged entire neighborhoods in floodwaters-scenes captured in emerging images of razed structures and waterlogged streets.
Beyond Jamaica, Melissa's destruction has extended across the region:
- Haiti: At least 31 deaths reported.
- Dominican Republic: Two confirmed fatalities.
- Cuba: Over 60,000 homes damaged or destroyed, prompting mass evacuations.
Climate Change's Role in Intensifying Storms
While scientists note that the link between climate change and hurricane frequency remains uncertain, rising sea surface temperatures are known to fuel storm intensity. Warmer air holds more moisture, increasing the likelihood of extreme rainfall and stronger winds-a pattern aligned with Melissa's record-breaking force.
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) had forecast an above-normal 2025 Atlantic hurricane season prior to Melissa's formation, citing conducive oceanic conditions.
Next Steps for Recovery
Jamaican authorities are prioritizing the restoration of power and the clearing of critical roads to expedite aid delivery. International agencies, including the Red Cross, are scaling up operations, but officials warn that full recovery could take months given the scale of infrastructure damage. The government has not yet provided a timeline for rebuilding or a comprehensive damage assessment.
