Jamaica is grappling with severe disruptions as Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, continues to wreak havoc across the island. The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company has reported a significant surge in power outages, affecting approximately 240,000 customers, or 35% of its total clientele. The hardest-hit parishes include St Elizabeth, Manchester, Hanover, and St James, where around 75% of residents are without electricity. In contrast, areas such as St Thomas, Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, and St Ann have experienced minimal impact, with fewer than 10% of customers affected as of 8:00 am Tuesday. Hugh Grant, President and CEO of JPS, emphasized the company’s commitment to restoring power safely and promptly, addressing the media at the National Emergency Operation Centre in New Kingston. Despite false social media claims suggesting a complete shutdown of the national grid, JPS has confirmed that no such action is planned. Energy Minister Daryl Vaz clarified that outages are solely due to the hurricane’s impact on the grid, which has damaged generating units, substations, and transmission lines. While most hospitals remain powered by JPS, facilities in Manchester and St Elizabeth, including Black River, Mandeville, and Percy Junior hospitals, are relying on standby generators. JPS crews are actively working to restore critical services and urges residents to prioritize safety during this crisis.