Hurricane Melissa Devastates Caribbean, Killing 28 in Jamaica and Triggering Massive Aid Efforts

Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm, has caused widespread devastation across Jamaica and other Caribbean islands, leaving many communities without power, clean water, or basic supplies. The tourism sector, vital to Jamaica's economy, faces significant damage, particularly in the western regions, although the popular Negril area was largely spared, and officials hope to restore normalcy by mid-December. Immediate relief efforts include substantial financial and product donations from U.S. companies like The Home Depot and Lowe's, which are providing emergency supplies and supporting local nonprofits for recovery. International aid has also come from the United Arab Emirates, which has dispatched essential food, shelter materials, and infrastructure support in coordination with regional agencies. On the ground, many residents remain isolated by debris and are awaiting aid as the death toll rises and recovery efforts continue amid challenging conditions. Local organizations and communities are rallying to support relief efforts, with initiatives such as the Daniel Island Community Foundation doubling donations to fund safe drinking water and emergency aid for affected families.