In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, residents of Manchester and St Elizabeth in Jamaica faced severe challenges as they scrambled to secure fuel and essential supplies. On Thursday, a large crowd gathered at the Mid-Island Service Station in Gutters, the only operational fuel station in the area, with cash in hand to refuel vehicles and generators. The Category 5 hurricane has left much of southern Jamaica without power, communication, and access to ATMs, exacerbating the crisis. Patrenia Kennedy, manager of the Mid-Island Service Station, highlighted the critical role of the on-site supermarket in providing food and household essentials, though supplies were rapidly depleting. She noted that while suppliers were en route, items like bread had already run out. Nearby communities remain isolated, with extensive damage to homes, roads, and farmlands. Imran, a resident of Prospect, Manchester, described the situation as dire, urging government officials to assess the devastation firsthand. He emphasized the urgent need for assistance, particularly for families whose children have lost school uniforms and books. The hurricane’s impact has surpassed that of previous storms, leaving residents in desperate need of relief and recovery efforts.
#MelissaAftermath: Residents flock Gutters service station to restock fuel and food supplies
