标签： Jamaica

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.

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.

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.

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.