分类： society

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) has authorized an immediate allocation of US$5 million from the Electricity Disaster Fund (EDF) to the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS). This funding aims to accelerate the mobilization of critical resources necessary for power restoration across the island. JPS has already initiated extensive measures, including the deployment of over 60 linemen from the eastern Caribbean and North America, alongside the strategic positioning of personnel, equipment, and inventory in key locations to ensure swift restoration efforts. The electricity provider is mandated to submit a comprehensive report detailing the expenditure of the allocated funds. Additionally, JPS has pledged to engage independent assessors to expedite damage evaluations and streamline the claims process, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the recovery operations.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant update, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has announced the phased reopening of Jamaica’s key airports following a period of closure due to a recent crisis. The Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston and the Ian Fleming International Airport in Boscobel, St Mary, are set to resume operations at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, initially for relief flights only. Commercial operations, including both incoming and outgoing flights, will commence at 7:00 am on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James, will reopen at 10:00 am on Thursday to facilitate relief efforts. Vaz emphasized that assessments are ongoing, with commercial passenger flights expected to resume no later than Friday morning. The minister highlighted the extensive devastation observed during his aerial tour, urging collective efforts for recovery. ‘The devastation is enormous. Words can’t describe it. We need all hands on deck to recover stronger and to help those in need at this time. God bless Jamaica,’ Vaz stated. The arrival of relief flights will mark the beginning of the recovery process, with further updates to be provided as the situation evolves.

The rural community of Grierfield in Moneague, St Ann, is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck on Tuesday, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Among the affected residents is Garry Dawson, who, along with his neighbors, is racing against time to repair his roof before nightfall. The powerful winds not only tore off roofs but also destroyed furniture and other household essentials, leaving many counting the staggering costs of the disaster.

PORTLAND, Jamaica — Demani Campbell, a resident of Piggery in the Rio Grande Valley, Portland, is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which ravaged his home on Tuesday. The storm, which lasted approximately five hours, unleashed relentless winds that left a trail of destruction in its wake. Campbell recounted the harrowing experience, stating that the devastation became apparent only the following morning. ‘She gwaan bad. She rip up the place for about five hours straight, a just a continuous breeze. We did deh over deh a watch wah gwan but we couldn’t see on this side here so ah inna the morning when time we come up we see the destruction,’ Campbell told Observer Online on Wednesday. Despite the loss, Campbell expressed gratitude for his survival and is now focused on rebuilding his life. However, he remains uncertain about the government’s assistance process. ‘We ah look forward to picking up the pieces but we don’t know the process of the Government. We nuh move nothing yet because we want them see say we destroyed and would need help if anything,’ he added. The community now looks to local authorities for support in the recovery efforts.

The parish of St Elizabeth in Jamaica is grappling with the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, as described by Black River Mayor Richard Solomon. The hurricane has left the region in a state of devastation, with severe damage to infrastructure and limited communication capabilities. Solomon emphasized that the term ‘catastrophic’ barely captures the extent of the destruction witnessed on the ground. Emergency and security forces are facing significant challenges in responding to the crisis due to widespread flooding and infrastructure damage. The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) is currently immobilized and relies on Starlink satellite internet for communication. Solomon revealed that the local hospital has been ‘totally devastated,’ and police units, along with the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), are non-operational after being submerged during the hurricane. Rescue operations are currently impossible, and the situation is expected to worsen as the day progresses. Solomon urged residents to remain calm and assured them that efforts are being made to address the crisis. He appealed for external assistance, stressing that the parish urgently needs all the help it can get.

Despite the ferocity of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica’s south-western region on Tuesday, the parish of St Thomas largely escaped severe damage. However, for residents living near the Plantain Garden River in Bath, the storm brought chaos and fear as landslides tore through the riverbank, threatening homes and livelihoods. A viral video on social media captured the dramatic evacuation of residents as sections of the riverbank collapsed, sweeping away a parked car in the process.

Residents of Manchester and St Elizabeth awoke early Wednesday to assess the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The storm left a chaotic scene of debris, uprooted trees, and downed powerlines strewn across roadways. Despite the destruction, locals were already mobilizing to clear paths for vehicles. Significant flooding was evident, with some roads still submerged, leaving certain areas in St Elizabeth completely cut off. In the Wilton community near Santa Cruz, one resident recounted having to swim to reach the main road. Cornell Williams, another local, described the hurricane as ‘the worst storm I’ve ever seen, worse than Gilbert,’ after losing his roof and seeing his belongings submerged. The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has left communities grappling with the extensive damage and the daunting task of recovery.

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.