Hurricane Melissa has left 1.5 million Jamaicans affected and caused damage equivalent to 30% of the country’s GDP, marking it as the worst climate disaster in Jamaica’s history, UN officials said Thursday.
The Category 5 storm generated nearly five million tonnes of debris across western Jamaica—roughly 500,000 truckloads—and has left communities struggling to recover. Authorities have confirmed 32 deaths, while 36,000 people urgently need food assistance, and more than 100,000 homes have been damaged.
At least 30 communities remain cut off, with electricity, telecommunications, and radio signals severely disrupted in several parishes. Kishan Khoday, UNDP Resident Representative, shared the story of Keith from New Hope, who survived the storm by sheltering under plywood, only to find his home and livelihood destroyed. Khoday noted the resilience of Jamaicans as recovery efforts begin.
The UN has mobilized aid through 60 organizations and the 16-member UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination team under OCHA, working alongside Jamaican authorities. UNDP allocated $400,000 for initial assessments, while the World Food Programme is airlifting food from Barbados to support over 6,000 households.
The storm also impacted Cuba and Haiti, leaving around 120,000 people in shelters. Across affected areas, 29 communities remain isolated, with extensive damage to homes, schools, and health facilities. UN officials continue to monitor the situation and coordinate relief efforts.
