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2h ago

Jamaica Counts 28 Dead After Category 5 Melissa as Aid Surge Targets Cut-Off West

Officials say losses could weigh on Jamaica for years.

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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Drone view of a destroyed church and damaged buildings, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, Jamaica, November 2, 2025. REUTERS/Raquel Cunha/File Photo
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Overview

  • Prime Minister Andrew Holness confirmed 28 storm-related deaths, with additional fatalities under verification as access improves.
  • Large areas remain without electricity and phone service, leaving western parishes isolated and hampering search, rescue and damage assessments.
  • The UN released $4 million from its emergency fund as WHO teams deploy, while NGOs and general aviation ramp up deliveries, including 38,000 pounds of supplies flown by Samaritan’s Purse into Kingston and mass feeding by Mercy Chefs in St. Elizabeth.
  • Logistical bottlenecks persist with Kingston initially the only functioning airport, uncertain fuel supplies and delayed Cuban overflight permits complicating airlifts.
  • A UN disaster risk official warned losses could approach Jamaica’s annual GDP; the UK pledged £7.5 million in support, and regionwide deaths are reported at roughly 50, including at least 31 in Haiti.