标签： South America

The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has left the town of Black River in ruins, as revealed during an aerial reconnaissance mission conducted by the BBC. Correspondent Will Grant, aboard an aid helicopter, captured the extensive destruction that has become synonymous with ‘ground zero’ of the disaster. The flight over the island provided a stark visual narrative of the hurricane’s ferocity, with homes, infrastructure, and natural landscapes obliterated. The mission not only highlighted the immediate need for humanitarian assistance but also underscored the long-term challenges of recovery and rebuilding in the face of such overwhelming devastation. The images and reports from the flight are expected to galvanize international aid efforts and bring global attention to the plight of the affected communities.

Five days after Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm in Jamaica’s modern history, ravaged the island with sustained winds of 185 mph (297 km/h), the coastal communities of Westmoreland Parish remain in ruins. Residents are stranded, with blocked roads, no electricity, running water, or access to food, and little hope of immediate relief. The death toll has risen to at least 28, with fears it could climb further as rescue teams reach more isolated areas. Westmoreland and St Elizabeth parishes, where the storm’s eye struck, are among the hardest hit, with 90% of homes in St Elizabeth destroyed. The devastation is evident in the landscape: roads are littered with debris, trees lie splintered, and buildings are reduced to rubble. Local official Dr. Dayton Campbell confirmed 10 deaths in Westmoreland alone. Amid the chaos, residents like Gary Williams and Roy Perry express frustration and despair, having lost everything. Williams, sitting in front of his roofless home, said, ‘They no turn up,’ referring to promised aid. Perry, who lost his livelihood, remains hopeful, saying, ‘We have to just keep the faith.’ The Jamaican government, criticized for its slow response, has deployed over 200 StarLink devices to restore internet access. Prime Minister Andrew Holness emphasized the priority of clearing debris, restoring essential services, and delivering food and medical supplies. Meanwhile, foreign aid has begun to arrive, with the US Disaster Assistance Response Team on the ground and countries like the UK pledging millions in relief funds. Despite the overwhelming destruction, the resilience of the Jamaican people shines through. Farmer Oreth Jones, who lost his farm, said, ‘We have to give God thanks we’re alive.’ As the island begins its long road to recovery, the spirit of hope and determination remains unbroken.

The death toll in Jamaica from Hurricane Melissa has surged to 28, as confirmed by Prime Minister Andrew Holness. The catastrophic storm, a category five hurricane—the most severe classification—has wreaked havoc across the Caribbean, with additional fatalities reported in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Holness revealed on Saturday that nine more deaths were confirmed, with potential casualties still under investigation, indicating the toll may rise further. Emergency responders and aid agencies face significant challenges in reaching affected areas due to blocked roads, debris, and widespread flooding. The hurricane, which made landfall on Tuesday, knocked out communication systems and power across much of Jamaica, leaving 72% of the population without electricity and forcing around 6,000 people into emergency shelters. The western regions of the island, including Black River and Montego Bay, have borne the brunt of the destruction, with images showing flattened buildings, streets littered with debris, and entire neighborhoods submerged. Aid distribution has been hampered by landslides, downed power lines, and impassable roads, despite the reopening of Jamaica’s airports. Reports of desperate individuals looting supermarkets and pharmacies for essential supplies underscore the dire situation. Hurricane Melissa, with sustained winds of 185mph (295 km/h), is now the most powerful storm on record to hit Jamaica and one of the strongest in Caribbean history. The broader impact of climate change on storm intensity remains uncertain, but rising sea surface temperatures are believed to fuel more powerful hurricanes. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration had predicted an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season this year, a forecast tragically validated by Melissa’s devastation.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, one of the most devastating storms to hit the Caribbean, the UK has stepped up its support for Jamaica. An aid flight carrying over 3,000 emergency shelter kits arrived in the early hours of Saturday, marking the beginning of a £7.5 million regional emergency package. This funding will also match donations to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent, with King Charles and Queen Camilla contributing to the cause. Despite the aid, distribution efforts have been hampered by fallen trees, landslides, and widespread destruction. Hurricane Melissa, a category five storm, made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, claiming at least 19 lives and leaving entire communities in ruins. The storm also caused significant damage in Haiti and Cuba, with dozens of fatalities reported. Jamaica’s Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon described the devastation as unprecedented, with entire areas flattened and communities cut off. The UK has allocated £2.5 million in immediate financial support, with an additional £5 million announced by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. The British Red Cross reported that 72% of Jamaica remains without electricity, and around 6,000 people are in emergency shelters. The King and Queen’s donation will support the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent in providing essential services, including search and rescue, healthcare, and clean water. However, logistical challenges persist, with landslides and debris blocking roads, delaying aid delivery to the hardest-hit areas. Fuel shortages and long queues at petrol stations have added to the crisis, as residents seek generators to power their homes or vehicles to reach safer locations. The UK is also organizing its first chartered flight to evacuate British nationals from Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport on Saturday evening. The Foreign Office has urged travelers to register their presence on the island and check with airlines for commercial flight availability.

The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has left the Jamaican port city of Black River in a state of utter devastation. As one of the most powerful Category 5 storms ever recorded in the Caribbean, Melissa unleashed fierce winds and a catastrophic storm surge that decimated nearly everything in its path. Roads are rendered impassable, buildings lie in ruins, and essential infrastructure, including hospitals and police stations, has been destroyed. Residents are now grappling with the dual challenges of survival and the search for missing loved ones.