Death toll from Hurricane Melissa rises to 32 in Jamaica

The death toll in Jamaica following the passage of Hurricane Melissa has climbed to 32, government officials confirmed Monday. The Category 5 storm made landfall on the island last Tuesday, leaving widespread devastation in its wake.

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Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Dana Morris Dixon, gave the update during a press conference, noting that the number could increase as authorities continue recovery operations.

“The official death toll as we speak is 32, but I will say there are eight other cases that are unconfirmed. The police and the JDF are now working to verify, so we do expect that number to increase. We’ll give you another total tomorrow. It is really very painful… I know we all feel it. We are praying for everyone. It’s not an easy time,” she said.

Morris Dixon also addressed the emotional toll the disaster has taken on Jamaicans and the importance of resuming normal routines where possible. She urged schools that are able to reopen to do so, emphasizing that returning to familiar structures can help ease the trauma.

“After a disaster, the quicker we get back to our routine, the better it is for our mental health,” she said.

Acknowledging the widespread sense of national grief, the minister said the country’s education system has mobilized psychological support for affected students and educators.

“I think the entire country needs psycho-social support. I see it everywhere. In our ministry, we have a group of over 30 psychiatrists and psychologists available to our education system for those who need help — and the ministry pays for that. So we have these avenues available, and we want our teachers to make use of it.”

Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms to hit the region in recent years, has left parts of Jamaica severely damaged, with extensive loss of life, homes, and infrastructure. Government agencies continue to assess the full extent of the destruction as recovery efforts intensify.