Jamaica Continues Relief Efforts in Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa
Rescue and aid efforts are ongoing across Jamaica as teams work to deliver essential supplies to communities that have remained isolated four days after Hurricane Melissa made landfall. Classified as start of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes to hit the region, Melissa has been attributed with at least 19 fatalities in Jamaica, 31 in neighboring Haiti, and start in the Dominican Republic.
Impact of Hurricane Melissa
Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica’s southwest on Tuesday as a Category 5 hurricane, unleashing top winds of 185 mph. In the wake of the storm, Health Minister Christopher Tufton indicated that the official death toll might rise, noting that many areas are still hard to access. Communication infrastructure across the island has been severely impacted, with less than half of the country currently able to connect. Furthermore, nearly 400 water systems were rendered inoperable due to the storm’s devastation.
Humanitarian Response
The U.S. Army has deployed three CH-47 Chinook helicopters for humanitarian efforts, with an additional five helicopters en route. Jamaica’s officials announced plans to establish multiple field hospitals to assist communities that have been significantly affected. “The facility will come fully equipped, including an operating theater and essential diagnostic equipment,” Tufton stated during a briefing, highlighting that these hospitals are expected to be operational soon.
In Montego Bay, desperate scenes unfolded as residents lined up for food, water, and cash. Many U.S. tourists remain stranded, with the Florida-based nonprofit Gray Bull Rescue Foundation facilitating the repatriation of 341 American citizens from heavily damaged resorts in the area.
Distribution of Essential Supplies
Reports indicate that essential supplies are finally reaching hurricane-affected areas like St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland, which had previously been inaccessible. In certain locations, residents have had to resort to collecting muddy water from rivers while others sustain themselves on coconut water and roasted breadfruit. The landscape of Westmoreland is now strewn with mangled metal, shattered wood, and ashore debris from houses.
Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. was part of the disaster response team distributing ready-to-eat meals, water, tarps, blankets, and medical supplies. He emphasized the need for immediate assistance. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has described Black River as “ground zero,” acknowledging that the town will undergo a complete reconstruction.
Challenges Ahead
As relief operations continue, many citizens are facing heightened risks of waterborne diseases and food poisoning. “People are in shock and waiting on relief,” remarked Mike Bassett, World Vision’s national director for domestic humanitarian affairs. Discussions about the biggest needs reveal a critical demand for clean water, roofing tarpaulins, canned proteins, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies.
On Saturday, the United Nations’ World Food Program received 2,000 emergency food boxes from Barbados, set to cater to the needs of approximately 6,000 individuals for a week. “Please discard spoiled food,” Tufton advised, as the unavailability of basic commodities remains a pressing issue.
International Support and Recovery Efforts
The U.S. regional disaster assistance response team is actively supporting Jamaica’s recovery efforts. The U.S. Embassy stated, “The United States stands with Jamaica as they respond to the hurricane’s impacts and is prepared to swiftly deliver emergency relief items.”
Meanwhile, Jamaica’s Water and Environment Minister Matthew Samuda has taken to social media in search of tarpaulin to aid in repairs for homes. His calls for assistance have garnered responses indicating availability of supplies.
In the aftermath, the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility announced a record payout of $70.8 million to Jamaica, aimed at aiding recovery efforts. Finance Minister Fayval Williams noted that the insurance payout is just a segment of the government’s broader financial strategy to address natural disasters, which includes a contingency fund and a national natural disaster reserve. Damage assessments are ongoing as the focus shifts from immediate relief to long-term recovery.
The path to rebuilding will require extensive collaboration and resources; however, officials remain committed to restoring affected communities “stronger and wiser.”
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