The death toll from Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica has climbed to 45 confirmed deaths, while 15 individuals are still missing, as per authorities’ latest update on Tuesday. Officials anticipate the number of casualties to increase as they strive to access two isolated towns following the disastrous Category 5 hurricane’s arrival in 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 these stranded communities. The storm has uprooted 30,000 households, with 1,100 individuals currently housed in 88 operational emergency shelters.
Efforts to clear debris from nearly three dozen blocked roads are ongoing, according to Gayle. Approximately 50% of mobile service has been restored, and over 70% of the population now has access to water.
In a positive development, power has been reinstated for over 60% of customers, marking significant progress considering the extensive damage, stated Hugh Grant, the president and CEO of Jamaica’s power company. He also confirmed that power has been restored at Montego Bay’s international airport.
Hurricane Melissa, recognized as one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record, ravaged Jamaica’s western area before moving on to eastern Cuba, causing destruction to residences and agricultural fields. The storm triggered severe flooding in southwestern Haiti, contributing to at least 43 fatalities.
International aid continues to pour in for the affected regions as they strive to recover from the aftermath of the hurricane. The U.S. government recently announced additional financial assistance, allocating $10 million for Jamaica and $2.5 million for Haiti, bringing the total aid to almost $37 million for the impacted countries, including Cuba and the Bahamas.