Hurricane Melissa Wreaks Havoc in Southwestern Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as a powerful and destructive storm, with sustained winds of 295 km/h that ravaged the country with torrential rain and life-threatening conditions. The hurricane directly hit the coastal communities in southwestern Jamaica, leaving them to face a long road to recovery.
Devastation and Recovery Efforts
Warrell Nicholson, a police officer in Black River, described the situation as “devastating” to AFP over the phone from the police station, which, though damaged, still serves as a refuge for those seeking shelter.
- Images from the area show uprooted trees, crushed cars, downed power lines, and demolished homes, painting a picture of the destruction that is only beginning to clear as assessments have been hampered by a lack of power and communication across the Caribbean island.
- Andrew Houston Moncure, a resident in Black River, sought refuge with his wife and 20-month-old child in the ground floor of a luxury hotel he owns in Bluefields.
- Though not new to hurricanes, Moncure stated that this one was “never this serious.” He shared how they took pillows and blankets to the shower for protection during the brutal weather.
- Moncure described the experience as terrifying, especially with his child. He explained that the low pressure made breathing difficult and sounded like a freight train approaching.
- Despite the hotel’s kitchen roof detaching, Moncure and his family are working to prepare and distribute food for local residents before conditions worsen.
- Moncure emphasized, “It’s going to be a long road to recovery.”
“Everything Was Lost”
In Seaford Town, Christopher Hacker’s restaurant in western Jamaica was destroyed. “Everything was lost,” he told AFP.
Hacker, who is also a farmer, shared images of his ruined banana fields. “It will take a long time to recover from this,” he said.
Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, declared the tropical island, known for its tourism, a “disaster area” following Hurricane Melissa, which tied the 1935 record as the most intense storm to make landfall.
- 70% of the country lacks electrical power. In Bluefields, Houston Moncure mentioned using a truck to charge batteries and a portable Starlink internet kit due to the lack of communication.
- Moncure described the situation as “catastrophic,” emphasizing their focus on caring for those in the area, taking care of themselves, and supporting one another.
- The hurricane exited Jamaica on Tuesday afternoon, though lingering rains persist as the storm continues its destructive path.
Ongoing Challenges and Resilience
Residents of Jamaica continue to deal with flooded homes, blocked roads, and widespread infrastructure damage.
Desmond McKenzie, Jamaica’s minister in charge of emergency response coordination, reported that the extensive destruction even reached hospitals.
Amidst the devastation, there is a glimmer of hope: McKenzie mentioned that three babies were born during the storm in a press conference.
“We are a great nation,” McKenzie expressed. “Despite the challenges, we will rise to the occasion in the face of adversity.”
