标签： Jamaica

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the coastal town of Whitehouse in Westmoreland, Jamaica, has been reduced to a scene of devastation and despair. The Category 5 storm, which struck last Tuesday, has left the once-thriving fishing and tourism community in ruins. Homes have been obliterated, power lines are tangled across streets, and families are now huddled under makeshift shelters. With no access to electricity, running water, or immediate relief, residents are grappling with the harsh realities of survival.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – In response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican Government has ramped up clean-up efforts across several severely impacted towns. The initiative aims to swiftly remove rubble and debris, restore accessibility, and mitigate potential health hazards in the affected regions.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government of Jamaica has announced that the official death toll from Hurricane Melissa has climbed to 32, with eight additional fatalities currently under investigation. The confirmation came during a special media briefing led by Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, at Jamaica House in Kingston on Monday, November 3. Dr. Morris Dixon expressed deep sorrow over the rising number of casualties, stating, ‘We do expect that number to increase. Every additional person added to that list is profoundly felt by all of us.’ She extended prayers and support to the affected families, acknowledging the immense grief they are enduring. Hurricane Melissa, which struck western Jamaica on October 28, caused widespread devastation, prompting the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to deploy helicopters for search and recovery operations. The government continues to monitor the situation closely, providing updates as recovery efforts progress.

Two days after Hurricane Melissa swept through Cave Valley, St Ann, many residents remain unable to return to their homes due to persistent flooding. The once-bustling town is now submerged under muddy waters, with some areas experiencing ankle-deep flooding while others see entire buildings swallowed by the deluge. Rooftops peeking out of the water serve as grim reminders of the homes that once stood there. Although water levels began to recede last Thursday, the damage left behind is extensive and recovery will be a long, arduous process. For Adolphus McNaughten, an 81-year-old resident, this marks the fourth time his home has been flooded. He stood helplessly outside his yellow and red house, recounting how he had to abandon it when the waters rushed in. McNaughten, who has nowhere else to go, expressed a mix of despair and determination as he prepared to rebuild once again. Meanwhile, Christopher Clarke, a local businessman, watched the disaster unfold from the safety of his two-story building. He described how the floodwaters rose relentlessly, engulfing homes, businesses, and vehicles. Clarke, who had prepared for the hurricane, emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that Cave Valley has always been flood-prone but never to this extent. As the community grapples with the aftermath, residents face months of recovery, compounded by the loss of electricity and water services. The relentless rain that followed the hurricane served as a cruel reminder that the ordeal is far from over.

ST JAMES, Jamaica — Leroy Reid, Director of Customer Solutions at the Jamaica Public Service (JPS), has announced that the company is undertaking comprehensive damage assessments across the island following the severe impact of Hurricane Melissa on the electricity grid. Speaking after an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) meeting at the St James Municipal Corporation on Friday, Reid highlighted the significant damage sustained by both the transmission and distribution networks.

JPS teams, supported by the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), are conducting aerial and ground patrols to evaluate the extent of the destruction. Reid emphasized the need for patience, stating, ‘The damage assessment will take some time. Once completed, we will develop a restoration strategy and communicate timelines.’

In preparation for the hurricane season, JPS secured additional manpower, including approximately 70 overseas line workers from the Caribbean and beyond, to bolster restoration efforts. Reid also mentioned plans to bring in more resources, such as skilled personnel and equipment, via air or sea.

Addressing concerns about marooned communities where JPS infrastructure may block roadways, Reid assured that these issues would be prioritized at the Incident Command Centre. However, he cautioned against dispersing resources too widely, which could hinder emergency response efficiency.

Reid urged Jamaicans to exercise caution during post-hurricane recovery, reminding them of the compromised public health infrastructure. ‘Stop, think, and assess before you act. Your families need you to be well,’ he implored.

Reiterating JPS’s commitment to swift and safe restoration, Reid concluded, ‘Be safe, be patient. We are working as quickly as we can to restore Jamaica. Thank you for your support.’

— JIS

Motorists passing through St Elizabeth, Jamaica, are often taken aback when they first meet Roy Hutchinson, a tire repair specialist. What makes Hutchinson remarkable is that he is a double amputee confined to a wheelchair. Despite losing both legs due to poor circulation, the 60-year-old remains undeterred by his physical limitations. Last Friday, Hutchinson swiftly assisted the Jamaica Observer team when their vehicle suffered a flat tire while en route to cover the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in St Elizabeth and Westmoreland. Hutchinson, a resident of Rocky Hill, St Elizabeth, has been managing the tire shop since November last year, taking over from his brother who migrated to the United States. ‘I plug a tire, take off a tire the same way. I change a tire on the machine inside the shop in the same way. I only need someone to push me around,’ Hutchinson explained, noting that he has a daily assistant. Previously a school bus driver for Hampton and Munroe students, Hutchinson lost his legs gradually—one five years ago and the other last year. Remarkably, he felt no pain during the amputations. Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Melissa, Hutchinson’s business has thrived as locals seek his services. ‘Yesterday [Thursday], I patched about four tires with nails. So basically, I knew that people would come today to plug tires, so I came out,’ he said. Hutchinson has appealed for support to acquire a battery drill and a tire-changing machine to enhance his efficiency. His partner, Michelle Golding, assists him daily, pushing him to and from the shop. Like many in the parish, Hutchinson is rebuilding after the hurricane damaged homes and electricity poles, leaving many without power. ‘I have the front there to fix back. I have to go buy some zinc nails and zinc to put it back on,’ he said, pointing to his shop. Hutchinson also faces the loss of perishable goods due to the power outage, adding to his financial strain. ‘I don’t really have any savings. I have some chicken in the fridge right now which I am going to lose. It’s a great loss for me again,’ he lamented.