Death toll in Jamaica from Hurricane Melissa rises to 45, minister confirms

The death toll from Hurricane Melissa’s passage over Jamaica has climbed to 45, according to an update from Senator Dana Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth & Information. The announcement came during a Tuesday morning press conference as the government continues to assess the storm’s full impact.

The minister said the fatalities were recorded across several parishes: Hanover (2), Westmoreland (15), St. James (6), Trelawny (2), St. Ann (1), Portland (1), and St. Elizabeth (18). Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth were also identified as the hardest-hit parishes in terms of infrastructure damage.

“In terms of post-mortems, they have been able to conduct 33 to date, and there are some that they are waiting to do,” Senator Dixon said. “So that is the confirmed number. Those are 45 families that are hurting deeply. As we look at that number, we pray for those families. It’s a hard time to deal with the death of a family member while also facing the aftermath of a hurricane. As this number changes, I will get back to you with the latest.”