标签： Jamaica

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaican firefighters have been inundated with emergency calls, primarily addressing structural and electrical fires. Fire Chief Stewart Beckford revealed that the hardest-hit parishes—Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, St James, Trelawny, and Hanover—are grappling with widespread debris, dry mountain ranges, and downed utility poles, which have become significant fire hazards. Between October 28, when the Category 5 storm struck, and November 19, the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) responded to 143 fire-related incidents, including 58 structural fires and 34 electrical or utility pole fires. Additionally, 25 landfill fires, 17 bush fires, and nine vehicle fires were reported. Tragically, seven deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning from generators were also recorded. Beckford emphasized that many structural fires originated in Westmoreland and rural communities, where residents rely on candles for light due to prolonged power outages. He urged caution when using candles, advising against placing them near flammable materials and recommending the use of water-filled containers to prevent accidental fires. The fire chief also highlighted the dangers of burning debris, a common practice post-hurricane, and called for safer disposal methods. Bush fires, exacerbated by dry conditions, have further strained firefighting resources, with some areas remaining inaccessible due to flooding and landslides. Beckford expressed regret over the carbon monoxide-related deaths, reiterating the importance of placing generators at a safe distance from homes and ensuring proper ventilation. He appealed to Jamaicans to prioritize safety and avoid practices that could lead to further disasters.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — On Sunday, November 23, retired sprint legend Asafa Powell transformed his birthday into a humanitarian effort, delivering homes to families devastated by Hurricane Melissa last month. Powell shared his experience on Instagram, stating, ‘Amazing way to spend my birthday! Delivering homes to families affected by the hurricane, who might not get to celebrate holidays like this. It was truly special seeing their smiles and tears of joy.’ He also expressed gratitude to donors who contributed through a GoFundMe campaign. Earlier this month, Powell and his wife, Alyshia, distributed groceries and toiletries to hurricane victims in Georges Valley, St Elizabeth, with support from U.S. Olympian Noah Lyles and his Lyles Brothers Sports Foundation, along with his fiancée, track athlete Junelle Bromfield. Powell’s efforts highlight his commitment to giving back to communities in need.

Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of destruction in its wake, particularly impacting the lives of Jamaica’s firefighters. The catastrophic storm rendered 25 firefighters homeless and caused substantial damage to the residences of nearly 170 others. These brave individuals, whose roles often require them to risk their lives to protect others and safeguard property, now face immense personal challenges. The devastation has forced 15 of these national heroes to take refuge in the very fire stations where they serve, highlighting the severity of their plight. In response, Jamaica Fire Brigade Commissioner Stewart Beckford has issued an urgent appeal for assistance from corporate Jamaica. Beckford emphasized the critical need for support to help these firefighters rebuild their lives and continue their vital work in the community. The tragedy underscores the vulnerability of those who dedicate their lives to public service, even as they confront the dual burdens of professional duty and personal loss.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant humanitarian gesture, the Classique Group, along with its subsidiaries SBR Weekend, Classique Auto Sales/Rentals, and Ecosense Project Management, has pledged $20 million to aid rural Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. The devastating storm left communities submerged, families displaced, and infrastructure in ruins, prompting immediate action from the conglomerate.

Georg Gassauer, a seasoned responder with Doctors Without Borders (MSF), has witnessed the horrors of conflict zones in Yemen, but nothing prepared him for the devastation he encountered in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa. Arriving days after the initial MSF team was deployed to St James and neighboring parishes, Gassauer was struck by the sheer scale of destruction. Hillsides were stripped bare, trees stood leafless, and communities were left picking up the pieces of their shattered lives. ‘It’s quite a harrowing view,’ Gassauer remarked, shaking his head. ‘We’ve worked in natural disasters before, but nothing like this.’

Since November 1, MSF has been working closely with Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness to restore access to clinical facilities, deliver potable water, test groundwater, and supply health centers with essential materials. One of their most significant contributions has been the restoration of the roof at Cornwall Regional Hospital, which had lost over 80% of its ceiling to the hurricane’s fierce winds. ‘This is quite unusual for us to be a funding partner,’ Gassauer noted. ‘Usually, we’re an implementing partner, but here we had to take a different role.’

Despite the challenges posed by damaged infrastructure, Gassauer remains optimistic about Jamaica’s recovery. He praised the resilience and solidarity of the Jamaican people, particularly the community’s efforts to support one another. ‘One of the things that I found very encouraging was just the solidarity that is shown from Jamaicans,’ he said. ‘I don’t think anybody from the team was really expecting that Jamaica and its health services would be bouncing back as fast as they did.’

Gassauer’s experience in Jamaica has been a stark reminder of the power of nature and the strength of human spirit. While the road to recovery is long, the unwavering determination of the Jamaican people offers a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that wreaked havoc across western Jamaica, approximately 15 firefighters found themselves without homes, turning their fire stations into temporary shelters. Jamaica Fire Brigade Commissioner Stewart Beckford revealed that 193 firefighters were impacted by the disaster, with 25 experiencing total destruction of their homes and 168 facing significant damage. Many of these first responders were still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Beryl when Melissa struck, compounding their struggles.

Government Senators Abka Fitz-Henley and Christian Tavares-Finson have emphasized the critical role of private stakeholders in aiding the state’s efforts to provide secure shelter for Jamaicans displaced by Hurricane Melissa. The senators made this appeal during their recent visit to several communities in St. Elizabeth, where they distributed essential building supplies, including cement, tarpaulin, zinc, nails, and water, all sourced from private contributions. These supplies were delivered to residents in Black River, Springvale, and Middle Quarters, areas severely impacted by the hurricane.