The death toll from Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica has climbed to 45 confirmed fatalities, with 15 individuals still reported missing, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The number of casualties is anticipated to increase as authorities strive to access two isolated towns following the devastating impact of the Category 5 storm that struck western Jamaica on October 28.
Alvin Gayle, the director general of Jamaica’s emergency management office, mentioned that helicopters have been delivering essential supplies to the communities cut off by the disaster. The storm has resulted in the displacement of 30,000 households, with 1,100 individuals currently housed in 88 operational emergency shelters.
As clean-up efforts continue, approximately 35 roadways remain obstructed due to debris removal operations. Officials highlighted that mobile service has been restored to 50% of customers, while over 70% now have access to water services.
In a positive development, power has been reinstated for over 60% of customers, including the successful restoration of power at Montego Bay’s international airport. Hugh Grant, the president and CEO of Jamaica’s power company, commended the progress made in power restoration efforts, considering the extensive damage caused by the storm.
Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record, inflicted severe damage on Jamaica’s western area before advancing to eastern Cuba, where it caused destruction to properties and agricultural lands. The storm also triggered significant flooding in southwestern Haiti, resulting in at least 43 fatalities.
International aid has been mobilized to assist the affected countries in their recovery efforts post-Melissa. The U.S. government recently announced an additional $10 million in aid for Jamaica and $2.5 million for Haiti, totaling almost $37 million in assistance for the impacted nations, which also include Cuba and the Bahamas.