Hurricane Melissa Leaves Jamaican Coastal Town Devastated, Residents Call for Urgent Aid

The coastal town of Black River in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, is reeling from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, described as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record. The journey to Black River is treacherous, marked by uprooted trees, landslides, large potholes, and thick silt from severe flooding, making roads dangerous and often impassable. Police and army personnel struggled to manage traffic as vehicles stalled in the floodwaters.

Closer to Black River, the extent of the destruction is stark, with almost every building losing its roof and the town center resembling a demolition site. Traumatized residents are desperately searching for food and shelter, indicating a growing humanitarian crisis. Many who came to Black River seeking aid found only more devastation. Beverly Stephens, a survivor, tearfully pleaded for global assistance, emphasizing the urgent need for support in Jamaica.

Hurricane Melissa also severely impacted Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, with a death toll of 50 across the affected regions, expected to rise as communication networks remain largely down. This Category 5 hurricane tied a 1935 record for intensity upon landfall. Residents like Annette Royal described widespread destruction, echoing calls for food, water, and shelter. Aston McCatty highlighted the immense cost of rebuilding, pointing to the hundreds of years of history lost in the demolished parish church.

The nearby tourism community of Treasure Beach also suffered extensive damage, with an entire beachfront restaurant swept away and tombstones displaced. Fisher Allan Daley, 67, recounted the unprecedented force of Melissa, which severely damaged his home and boat. Owen Clarke, a hotel owner, called for increased business support after facing rebuilding efforts for the second consecutive year. Despite the hardship, some, like chef Candace Dryden, are providing hot meals to residents, fostering a sense of community resilience. Environmental experts link Melissa’s intensity to climate change, urging global action to reduce emissions and prevent more frequent and destructive storms in the Caribbean

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/oct/31/black-river-jamaica-residents-assess-damage-after-hurricane-melissa