The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa continues to unfold in Falmouth, Jamaica, where the historic town remains partially submerged in stagnant, sewage-laden water. The storm, a Category 5 hurricane, wreaked havoc across the Caribbean, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The regional hospital, situated on a low-lying road, was among the hardest hit, with floodwaters inundating its lower levels and causing significant damage to infrastructure, including the boiler room and ward roofs. Donna-Marie Hamilton-Wallace, the head of nursing, recounted the harrowing experience of evacuating patients and staff during the storm surge, describing it as both terrifying and miraculous that everyone survived. Ten days post-hurricane, recovery efforts are slowly gaining momentum. The Royal Navy, alongside local workers and international aid teams, is spearheading the cleanup, tackling the daunting task of restoring essential services. HMS Trent, a Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel, has been deployed to assist, with Marine Engineer Naomi Pearmine playing a crucial role in getting the hospital’s boiler operational. Machelle Stubbs, the chief medical officer, emphasized the critical need for external support, as many staff members continue to work tirelessly despite personal challenges. Keriesa Bell Cummings, the hospital’s CEO, has been coordinating relief efforts, rallying support from both local and international sources. While communications remain patchy, there is a growing sense of hope as aid and resources begin to arrive, marking a gradual return to normalcy for the resilient community.
‘We had to create a human chain to evacuate’ – Jamaican hospital rebuilds after hurricane
