Despair and Resilience: Communities in Jamaica Struggle After Hurricane Melissa

Mon Nov 03 2025 01:04:07 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, communities in Jamaica face devastating losses and an uncertain future. Aid efforts continue amid widespread destruction and power outages.

Jamaica is grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which brought historic devastation to the country. With at least 28 confirmed deaths and thousands left without power or basic necessities, communities are struggling to access aid as debris-clogged roads impede relief efforts. Local residents express frustration and despair, but also resilience as they navigate the challenges ahead.

Five days after Hurricane Melissa pummelled into western Jamaica with record force, residents in devastated communities along the coast are still desperately waiting for help.

Many of the roads are blocked by debris, and people are isolated with little food, no power, or running water, and no idea of when normalcy will return.

The government said on Saturday that at least 28 people in Jamaica have died since the hurricane hit as a monster category five storm with 185 mph (297km/h) sustained winds.

That is a near 50% jump in the death toll overnight, and the number could rise as officials clear their way into new parts of the island in the coming days. Local official Dr. Dayton Campbell reported that 10 of those deaths occurred in Westmoreland, the area hardest hit by the storm.

Westmoreland Parish is believed to have the second highest number of unconfirmed deaths, after St. Elizabeth to the southeast, where an estimated 90% of homes have been destroyed.

A long stretch of road headed west into Westmoreland Parish winds through a graveyard of trees, stark evidence of Hurricane Melissa's ferocity – it was the strongest storm to strike the Caribbean island in modern history. Roads are crowded with piles of debris next to battered buildings and shipping crates turned on their sides.

Residents in the towns of Whitehouse and others express frustration over the slow relief efforts. Gary Williams, a local resident, stated that promises of incoming aid had not materialized, leaving many without shelter and basic supplies.

Approximately 400,000 people in Jamaica were without power, with many lacking access to cell phone service or Wi-Fi, making communication and coordination of aid difficult. On Saturday, Jamaica's Transportation Minister announced the deployment of over 200 StarLink devices to help facilitate internet access.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasized the need for immediate efforts to restore services and deliver essential food and medical supplies, acknowledging the challenges posed by the extent of the devastation.

In the face of these hardships, residents have displayed resilience. Those like Robert Morris, whose fishing village was destroyed, remain hopeful, expressing a determination to rebuild despite losing everything. The community's spirit resonates with phrases like we have to keep the faith and we will not give up, reflecting a blend of despair and resilience as they begin to navigate recovery.

Foreign aid has started to flow into Jamaica, with the US State Department dispatching a Disaster Assistance Response Team and other countries pledging millions in relief funds and emergency supplies.