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2h ago

Jamaica Confirms 28 Dead From Hurricane Melissa as Aid Efforts Intensify

International support is ramping up, with damaged hospitals and limited airport capacity slowing relief to isolated western parishes.

Hurricane Melissa became one of the most powerful hurricanes in recorded history, its center core boosting the hurricane's highest estimated sustained winds to 180 mph on the morning of Oct. 28, and gusts to more than 250 mph.
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Overview

  • Prime Minister Andrew Holness said the death toll has risen to 28 and noted additional possible fatalities are being verified as large areas remain without power and communications.
  • The United Nations allocated $4 million from its emergency fund, the WHO deployed medical teams, and UN officials warned losses could reach the scale of Jamaica’s annual GDP.
  • Access is severely constrained in Westmoreland and St Elizabeth, multiple hospitals sustained significant damage, and aviation hurdles persist with Kingston operating under limits and Montego Bay badly hit.
  • Relief groups are expanding operations, with Mercy Chefs serving thousands in St Elizabeth and Samaritan’s Purse airlifting 38,000 pounds of supplies, while local fundraisers channel donations to trusted charities.
  • The UK announced £7.5 million in support and charter flights for citizens, the royal family made private donations, and Florida repatriated 28 residents from Jamaica.