Jamaica is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm that struck the island on October 28, 2025. The hurricane brought devastating winds, severe flooding, and destructive storm surges, leaving thousands displaced and entire communities without power. The hardest-hit areas include St. Elizabeth, St. James, Trelawny, Manchester, Hanover, and Westmoreland. In response, regional organizations have swiftly mobilized to provide aid. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) led the charge, with Executive Director Dr. Lisa Indar joining a high-level CARICOM delegation just two days after the storm. The team, which included representatives from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the Caribbean Development Bank, and the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology, immediately began assessing the damage and coordinating relief efforts. On November 1, the delegation met with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton to outline a comprehensive public health response. As Jamaica embarks on its recovery journey, the region has demonstrated remarkable solidarity in the face of this natural disaster.
