"It's as if a nuclear bomb went off": Jamaican communities fight to recover from Melissa : Shared by Tom McDermott
We have not reported much about the Caribbean and the devastation left by Melissa, so I was pleased to find this excellent photo article by the New Humanitarian. If readers have more information or photos of the islands hit by the storm or of the recovery efforts underway, please share. For the article and other photos please click below. Tom
"It's as if a nuclear bomb went off": Jamaican communities fight to recover from Melissa
Migue Roth, The New Humanitarian, 19 November 2025
See also: Supporting Children in Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa
Summary: Nearly a month after Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as one of the strongest Atlantic storms ever recorded, aid groups face significant logistical challenges reaching affected communities. The Category 5 storm killed at least 45 people, displaced 30,000 households, and affected 182 communities. Economic losses have surpassed $7.7 billion (35% of Jamaica's GDP) with projections potentially exceeding $20 billion. Agricultural losses reached $192 million.
Large parts of southwestern Jamaica remain without power, with 30 communities accessible only by air or sea. The World Food Programme aims to assist 200,000 people but has secured only $6.8 million of the $30 million needed. With 54 healthcare facilities severely damaged and 80-90% of roofs destroyed in coastal districts, community-led efforts have become the primary response as residents clear roads and distribute supplies through makeshift centers.
Quotes: "It's as if a nuclear bomb went off. All the buildings have lost their roofs. Some have collapsed. People's lives have been completely turned upside down." - Wenford Henry, ADRA International
"We're rationing water; we only have one jug left and we don't know how to get more." - Shernett Opal Brown
"The needs will intensify due to the destruction of the productive system." - Alejandra López, ADRA
"We need food and water. Please bring food and water!" - Robert, 63-year-old resident
"I don't think there is a single person on this island who hasn't been affected one way or another by Hurricane Melissa." - Tori Corti, volunteer
Not a comment but a statement sent to me by a good friend in Oriente, Cuba. This situation still persists today.
ReplyDeleteThe situation after hurricane Melissa in easternmost province of Cuba is dire. The people are suffering.
The virus spreading is rampant because, since the cyclone passed, the fallen trees and garbage have not been removed, creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes. There's still no electricity in many areas, and the heat is unbearable due to the strong sun and the humidity from the rains. There's no water, let alone potable water, and there hasn't been any water service since before the cyclone hit.
This virus is causing many, many deaths, and the government forbids doctors from documenting it on death certificates so it doesn’t appear in official records.
The virus incapacitates people for several days; they can't even hold a bar of soap to bathe, use spoons to eat, or walk. Fevers reach 40 degrees Celsius and doesn't subside, and there are no medicines available. Due to the fever, vomiting, and diarrhea caused by the virus, people are dying from dehydration.
There's no medication like Gravinol for the vomiting; folic acid, rehydration salts, and fever reducers are desperately needed. The little food available during power outages has spoiled after so long without electricity.
Eastern Cuba is in crisis and news stations reports it.
I meant, the news talks about the situation in Jamaica, but not a beep about the prior the hurricane dire situation made far worse by Melissa. I meant the news stations are not saying anything about Cuba.
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