标签： Jamaica

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.

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.