As Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, approaches Jamaica’s eastern Westmoreland coast, residents of Savanna-la-Mar are grappling with the dual challenges of impending devastation and the lingering scars of Hurricane Beryl in 2024. Fishermen, in particular, are anxious about the potential loss of their fish pots, which cost approximately $60,000 each to replace—a significant financial burden for those still recovering from previous losses. Oshane Rowe, a fisherman from Wharf Road, voiced his frustration, lamenting the lack of support from local authorities and the slow pace of recovery. ‘We just started rebuilding, and now another storm is coming,’ he said. Along Wharf Road and Smithfield, boats and fish pots have been pulled ashore as residents scramble to secure their livelihoods. While some are preparing to evacuate, others, like Garnet Williams, are determined to stay and protect their homes and livestock. ‘I’m not leaving my son or my animals,’ Williams declared, though he acknowledged the risks posed by his home’s proximity to the sea and the threat of flooding from clogged drains. In Savanna-la-Mar, vendors have already closed their shops, and waves have grown noticeably higher, signaling the storm’s approach. At the Godfrey Stewart High School shelter, 33 residents, including infants and elderly individuals, have sought refuge. However, concerns about food shortages and medical needs are mounting. Sharon Atkinson, a diabetic amputee, expressed her distress over the lack of suitable food, while Theresa Grant, another diabetic resident, highlighted the instability of her home and her urgent need for medical attention. As light rain begins to fall, the resilience of Westmoreland’s coastal communities is once again being tested, with many still struggling to rebuild from the last disaster. Across the town, 17 shelters are now open, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the looming crisis.
#EyeOnMelissa: Fisherfolk fear major losses as rough seas batter Savanna-la-Mar coastline
