分类： society

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, wreaked havoc across Jamaica on Tuesday, leaving more than 70% of Jamaica Public Service (JPS) customers—over 500,000 households—without electricity by 3:00 pm. The hurricane made landfall at noon with unprecedented wind speeds exceeding 180 miles per hour, causing significant damage to the island’s transmission and distribution networks. JPS President and CEO Hugh Grant confirmed that central and western parishes were particularly hard-hit, with sections of the electrical grid requiring a complete rebuild. Despite efforts to prevent a total shutdown, the extent of the damage has made recovery a daunting task. JPS has mobilized its line workers, along with local and international contractors, to begin restoration efforts as soon as conditions permit. In less affected areas, the company plans to seek a partial all-clear from authorities to initiate assessments and repairs concurrently. Grant emphasized the complexity of power outages, explaining that damage in one area can disrupt supply in others, and urged customers to remain patient. JPS also issued a safety warning, advising residents to avoid downed power lines and poles, which may still be energized. The Jamaica Observer reported an incident involving an energized wire on Rosseau Road in St. Andrew, which remained unattended for hours, sparking frustration among locals. As Jamaica begins its recovery, JPS remains committed to restoring power while prioritizing the safety of its teams and the public.

ST JAMES, Jamaica — Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, has disclosed that St James Parish experienced widespread devastation following the onslaught of Hurricane Melissa. Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, McKenzie highlighted the overflow of the Barnett River in Montego Bay as one of the most critical incidents, with floodwaters reaching up to 16 feet in certain areas of the city. The affected zones encompass Westgate, Catherine Hall, Howard Cooke Boulevard, Freeport, Alice Eldemire Drive, and Barnett Street. McKenzie further elaborated that several public institutions sustained significant damage. The St James Infirmary and the St James Municipal Corporation’s building were inundated, with water impacting two floors. Additionally, Jarrett Park, which had been serving as a temporary shelter for the homeless, was flooded, necessitating the relocation of its residents. The St James High School and Sangster International Airport also reported damage. The minister has been in communication with officials from neighboring parishes, including Trelawny, Hanover, Westmoreland, and St Elizabeth, where distress calls have been predominant.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Althea ‘Tia’ Brown, a shelter manager in Hayes, Clarendon, Jamaica, has been at the forefront of disaster response efforts, overseeing the safety and well-being of over 300 evacuees—the largest group she has managed in her years of service. For two consecutive nights, Brown barely slept, tirelessly working to ensure the needs of those displaced by the storm were met.

Montego Bay, St James, faced the brunt of Hurricane Melissa as the Category 5 storm wreaked havoc across the city on Tuesday. Among the hardest-hit locations was the iconic Pier One restaurant and bar, a beloved waterfront establishment. The hurricane’s fierce winds and relentless rain battered the shoreline, destroying parts of the building, including its famous sign. This incident echoed a previous storm in February 2024, which had already caused millions in damages to the same venue. As of Tuesday evening, the full extent of the destruction remained unassessed, but officials anticipate significant losses. The Rubis gas station on Howard Cooke Boulevard also sustained severe damage, alongside widespread reports of property destruction throughout the city. Montego Bay experienced extensive flooding, with Harbour and South streets submerged under several feet of water, rendering them impassable. Fallen trees and utility lines further complicated navigation, even for heavy-duty vehicles deployed for damage assessment. Mayor Richard Vernon described the initial impact as ‘rough,’ promising a thorough evaluation once the storm subsided. Reports of roofs being blown off in Mount Salem and other areas added to the devastation. The hurricane’s impact was felt as early as 3:00 am, with a Barnett Street building’s roof torn off and debris damaging vehicles at the Montego Bay Fire Station. Rising river levels due to continuous rainfall exacerbated the situation. Despite the chaos, residents were seen walking through the storm, while unconfirmed reports of looting emerged. A strong police and military presence was maintained throughout the day to ensure order.

ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and emergency medical teams were mobilized on Wednesday to provide critical assistance to residents in St Elizabeth. However, their efforts have been significantly hampered by extensive debris blocking the Santa Cruz main road, a vital artery for rescue operations. Approximately nine ambulances were observed en route to Black River Hospital, where plans were in motion to relocate patients to Mandeville Regional Hospital due to the storm’s impact. Among the hardest-hit residents is Celia Coke, a local business owner from Wilton, St Elizabeth. Her shop and bar, situated along the Gilnock main road near Santa Cruz, were utterly destroyed by the hurricane. Coke, who sold items such as jelly, molasses, and honey, lamented the total loss of her livelihood. Despite the overwhelming devastation, she expressed profound gratitude for her safety and appealed for assistance to rebuild her life and support her grandson. ‘Please, I’m asking for little help. Who can help me to build up back my life … I have my grandson to look bout, please and thanks,’ she said. Those wishing to offer support can reach her at 1 (876) 852-1459.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa has been confirmed by Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, who announced that four individuals have lost their lives in St Elizabeth due to the severe weather conditions. Earlier reports from Superintendent Coleidge Minto indicated that two bodies were found in Black River, St Elizabeth. However, Minister McKenzie later updated the death toll to four, comprising three men and one woman, all presumed to have been swept away by the storm-induced floodwaters. ‘These individuals appear to be direct victims of the hurricane,’ McKenzie stated, expressing hope for no further casualties. He emphasized the need for continued vigilance as the island remains under a flash flood watch, with the Meteorological Service predicting an additional three to six inches of rainfall. ‘Let us all be careful and do all we can to ensure that no more lives are lost,’ he urged.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a devastating Category 5 storm, the St James Municipal Corporation has joined forces with state agencies and non-governmental organizations to evaluate the extensive damage and deliver emergency aid to the hardest-hit areas. The hurricane wreaked havoc across the parish, demolishing homes, businesses, and critical road infrastructure. It also uprooted trees, destroyed utility poles, and severed power lines, leading to widespread electricity outages and water supply disruptions. Mayor Richard Vernon of Montego Bay emphasized the scale of the recovery effort, stating, ‘We are mobilizing all available resources to assess the damage and initiate the challenging task of restoring essential services and access.’ He acknowledged that the process would be substantial and time-consuming but assured residents of transparency and timely updates as assessments and relief plans progress. Despite the destruction, Mayor Vernon highlighted the unwavering spirit of Montego Bay, pledging a comprehensive and transparent recovery aimed at restoring services, rebuilding livelihoods, and enhancing resilience against future storms. Residents are advised to remain cautious due to ongoing risks such as downed power lines, hidden debris, and weakened structures. Authorities have urged the public to avoid flooded areas, report hazards, and follow official guidance as repairs to roads, utilities, and communication networks begin.

As the aftermath of a devastating storm continues to unfold in western Jamaica, families are grappling with an agonizing silence from their loved ones in the worst-hit areas. Portia Barnes, a mother navigating her Toyota through debris and mud, shared her distress with Observer Online. Having left her home in Parottee District, St. Elizabeth, to stay with her son in Mandeville, she now fears for her other son who remained behind. ‘I don’t know if anything happen to him,’ she said, her voice heavy with worry.