Hanover residents share stories of loss after Hurricane Melissa

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, residents of Hanover are recounting harrowing tales of loss, survival, and remarkable resilience. The Category Five storm, which slammed into Jamaica on October 28, ranks among the most powerful hurricanes in the nation’s history, leaving widespread destruction in its path.

Homes were flattened, trees uprooted, and vital utilities—electricity, water, and communication—were knocked out across multiple parishes.

Hanover resident Tyrese McGregor described the experience as “traumatic,” recalling how the hurricane tore through his home. “The roof of my home was lifted away, the zinc was flying overhead. I was trembling, and it was like my soul went out of my body. I had to run up to my friend for shelter,” he said. McGregor added that access to clean water remains a pressing need for many in his community.

Another resident, Lacy Daley, expressed gratitude that her family survived the storm but said the damage was devastating. With nine relatives—including her five children—inside her home, she made the quick decision to take shelter at a neighbor’s house built with concrete walls. Moments later, the roofs of both her home and her mother’s were ripped away. “We lost everything—bed, clothes, TV. Now I have to be sleeping at a friend’s house with my kids… I don’t know what’s next,” she shared.

Despite the destruction, the community’s spirit of solidarity has shone through. Shayne Trevers, a tour guide with Chukka Caribbean Adventures, borrowed a company chainsaw to help clear a fallen tree blocking the main roadway in Sandy Bay. He and several other young residents worked together to remove debris and make the area safer for motorists.

As cleanup and recovery efforts continue, numerous downed power lines have been reported along Hanover’s coastal areas. Crews from the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) have been seen assessing damage and working to restore electricity to affected communities.

For many in Hanover, the road to recovery will be long—but their determination to rebuild remains unwavering.