Jamaican confirms 28 dead as Hurricane Melissa devastates western parishes

The death toll from Hurricane Melissa has tragically risen to 28, according to the Jamaican government, which provided the updated figure on Saturday. The Category 5 storm made landfall on Tuesday, unleashing widespread destruction across several western parishes, particularly affecting St. Elizabeth and surrounding areas.

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In a statement, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) expressed deep condolences to the families, friends, and communities who are mourning their loved ones. The government further noted that reports of additional fatalities are still being verified, with local authorities working closely with agencies such as the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) to coordinate recovery efforts.

“We extend heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and communities mourning their loved ones,” said the OPM, adding that updates would continue to be provided as the verification process and recovery operations advance.

As recovery efforts unfold, a field hospital is expected to arrive within the next 24 hours to provide much-needed medical support in the parish of St. Elizabeth. The Black River Hospital, a key healthcare facility in the region, was severely damaged by the storm. Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton confirmed on Saturday that the field hospital would be set up with the assistance of international humanitarian organization Samaritan’s Purse.

“We’ve done our reconnaissance and identified a site. The team visited yesterday, and we are coordinating with the Jamaica Defence Force and other government agencies to set up that facility,” Dr. Tufton said during a press briefing at the Ministry’s Emergency Operations Centre in Kingston. The field hospital will be fully equipped with an operating theatre, diagnostic equipment, and a medical team to provide critical care to those affected.

Dr. Tufton emphasized that the field hospital would offer immediate operational support while the status of Black River Hospital is assessed. “We are hopeful that by the end of this week, St. Elizabeth — particularly Black River — will have a functional field hospital,” he said, noting that this will provide relief to the overwhelmed local healthcare system.

In addition to Black River, the government is planning to install field hospitals in other severely impacted areas, including Savanna-la-Mar in Westmoreland, Falmouth in Trelawny, Noel Holmes Hospital in Hanover, and Cornwall Regional Hospital in St. James. These hospitals will be supported through international assistance, including offers from the Indian, Canadian, and Spanish governments.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is also contributing to the effort to bolster health system resilience in the affected regions, ensuring continuity of care during this critical period.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Haiti, authorities have reported at least 31 fatalities and 21 people missing, most of them from the country’s southern region. Over 15,800 people are currently sheltered in evacuation centers as of Friday, as the storm caused widespread destruction.

No fatalities have been reported in Cuba as of Friday, where the civil defense evacuated more than 735,000 people from the eastern part of the island as a precautionary measure.

The Caribbean continues to grapple with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, and both local and international partners are working together to provide much-needed relief and support to affected communities. Further updates are expected as recovery operations continue and additional verification reports come in.