Five days after Hurricane Melissa, a Category Five storm, hit western Jamaica, aid access to several coastal communities remains challenging due to blocked roads. The government reported 28 fatalities, a figure that increased by nearly 50% overnight, with officials anticipating further rises as more areas become accessible. Residents in towns like Whitehouse are experiencing isolation, lacking food, power, and running water, while the government and international organizations are initiating response efforts.
Hurricane Impact and Casualties
Hurricane Melissa, a Category Five storm, made landfall in western Jamaica five days ago. The storm had sustained winds of 185 mph (297km/h), making it the strongest storm to strike the Caribbean island in modern history.
As of Saturday, the Jamaican government reported 28 deaths related to the hurricane, marking an approximate 50% increase in the death toll overnight. Officials anticipate the number of fatalities could rise as access to more areas of the island is established.
Dr. Dayton Campbell, a local official, stated that 10 of these deaths occurred in Westmoreland Parish. Westmoreland Parish is estimated to have the second-highest number of unconfirmed deaths, following St. Elizabeth Parish to the south-east. The storm's eye reportedly passed between Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth. In St. Elizabeth, an estimated 90% of homes have been destroyed.
Conditions in Affected Areas
Roads leading into Westmoreland Parish are obstructed by extensive debris, including broken tree branches and limbs. Roadsides in the parish show piles of debris, damaged structures, and overturned shipping containers. On Saturday morning, individuals used machetes to clear branches from roads, causing traffic to halt. A police officer, accompanying an aid convoy to Westmoreland, assisted in directing traffic and described the situation he had witnessed as "total devastation."
As of Friday, approximately 400,000 people in Jamaica were without power. An unspecified number of residents also lack access to cellular service or Wi-Fi.
Government and Aid Response
Jamaica's transportation minister, Daryl Vaz, announced on Saturday the deployment of over 200 StarLink devices across the island to provide internet access. Vaz addressed criticism regarding the government's response, citing "several factors" contributing to delays, including "Refuelling, Areas for Landing, Accessibility and Timing/Visibility."
Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated the government's immediate priorities are clearing debris, restoring essential services, and providing food and medical supplies.
Foreign aid has begun to arrive in Jamaica. The US State Department confirmed on Friday the arrival of its Disaster Assistance Response Team. Other countries, including the United Kingdom, have committed millions in aid relief funds and emergency supplies.
Resident Accounts
Residents in Whitehouse, a coastal town in Westmoreland Parish, reported frustration over waiting for assistance. Gary Williams stated he had received promises of aid delivery that had not materialized. He reported losing his house and having no immediate place to live, considering sleeping outside. A resident, who requested anonymity, described the situation as difficult for many people in the area.
In a fishing village near Whitehouse, Robert Morris reported that his home community and livelihood had been destroyed. He stated the boat house was "flat" and his fishing boat was "mashed up" by the storm. Morris indicated a lack of help, food, and water. He planned to seek someone with an intact boat to go fishing but expressed uncertainty about where to sell any catch.
Roy Perry, another resident, stated he had lost everything but maintained a positive outlook, saying, "Can't give up. Not gonna give up."
Oreth Jones, a farmer, sold the remaining produce from his farm, which he described as "all wrecked" and "all destroyed" by the storm. He sustained a leg fracture in a prior biking accident and stated, "We have to give God thanks we're alive," and, regarding moving forward, "Pray. Nothing else we can do. Nothing else."