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Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Toll Rises to 45 as Two Towns Remain Cut Off

Recovery funding falls short despite a $150 million catastrophe bond.

Overview

  • Officials report 45 confirmed deaths and 15 people missing after the Category 5 landfall on October 28.
  • Two communities are still unreachable by road, with helicopters delivering food and basic supplies as nearly three dozen roadways remain blocked.
  • Roughly 30,000 households were displaced and about 1,100 people remain in 88 emergency shelters.
  • Service restoration continues with power back for more than 60% of customers, mobile coverage near 50%, water above 70%, and electricity restored to Montego Bay’s international airport.
  • Jamaica activated a $150 million catastrophe bond but faces a multibillion‑dollar rebuilding gap, as UNEP reports adaptation finance from wealthy nations reached $26 billion in 2023 against a $40 billion annual goal.