Jamaicans Scramble for Relief Amid Melissa's Catastrophic Aftermath

In late October, Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record, made landfall in Jamaica, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The town of Black River, described by the Jamaican government as the storm's "ground zero," was hit particularly hard, with up to 90% of all structures losing their roofs as Melissa snapped power lines and toppled concrete buildings.

The hurricane's impact was felt across the Caribbean, with at least 51 deaths reported in Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. In Jamaica, 19 people were killed, including a child, and officials expect the death toll to continue rising. Thousands of residents remain in shelters, with 66% of the island still without power and around half of the nation's water systems offline.

Amid the devastation, Jamaicans are scrambling to access basic necessities. Monique Powell, a resident of a nearby hurricane-torn community, is overseeing a stash of groceries and household items for herself and her neighbors. "People are hungry," she said, as long lines formed at the few gas stations and supermarkets open in affected areas.

The situation is similarly dire in Haiti, where Hurricane Melissa unleashed catastrophic flooding, killing at least 31 people and leaving 21 others missing. More than 15,000 people remain in shelters, and the government is mobilizing resources to search for victims and provide emergency relief.

While no deaths were reported in Cuba, the island nation was far from spared, with heavy equipment working to clear blocked roads and the military assisting in rescue efforts. The town of El Cobre, home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Charity, was one of the hardest hit, with residents describing the destruction as a "disaster" as zinc roofs were torn off and some houses completely collapsed.

As the Caribbean nations work to recover from Hurricane Melissa's devastation, the international community has pledged support, with the U.S. State Department stating it is "ready to assist the Cuban people" with immediate humanitarian aid.