Hurricane Melissa Causes Severe Destruction, Economic Losses Across Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, caused extensive destruction across Jamaica, particularly in western and southern regions such as St. Elizabeth Parish, Black River, Luana, and Cambridge. The hurricane resulted in significant loss of life, with at least 19 fatalities in Jamaica and 31 in Haiti, and left many communities isolated, facing hunger, power outages, and damaged infrastructure. NOAA aerial imagery has been used to assess the widespread damage and assist in relief and rebuilding efforts, while local authorities continue to restore power and clear roads. Moody's Ratings highlighted that Jamaica faces substantial economic losses from the hurricane, far exceeding insured payouts due to low insurance coverage among residents, leading to a severe but temporary economic contraction. Relief efforts include fundraising activities organized by individuals affected by the hurricane and aid distributions by emergency teams, though communication challenges persist in some areas. The scale of devastation underscores Jamaica's vulnerability to extreme weather and the need for enhanced disaster risk financing and preparedness.