Aid agencies and the military have stepped up deliveries of food, water and medicine to Kingston’s main airport but smaller regional airfields remain only partly open. Crews are hauling supplies by truck toward Black River and other hard-hit areas, yet many highways are flooded or blocked. Officials report at least nineteen deaths in Jamaica and dozens of missing residents.
In Black River, homes lie in ruins and streets are lined with debris. Some survivors search wrecked shops for bottled water and canned goods. Local leaders describe scenes of desperation as people climb into collapsed buildings to pull down what they can carry. A pharmacy was ransacked and residents say that looting reflects the absence of aid and rising hunger.
Much of St Elizabeth's parish has been devastated. The local hospital, fire station, and police post were among the structures rendered unusable by the storm surge and high winds. By Friday afternoon, military helicopters had arrived to clear the main road and bring relief teams into the town. Regional officials say rebuilding access and restoring services are top priorities as survivors wait for additional assistance.
In Black River, homes lie in ruins and streets are lined with debris. Some survivors search wrecked shops for bottled water and canned goods. Local leaders describe scenes of desperation as people climb into collapsed buildings to pull down what they can carry. A pharmacy was ransacked and residents say that looting reflects the absence of aid and rising hunger.
Much of St Elizabeth's parish has been devastated. The local hospital, fire station, and police post were among the structures rendered unusable by the storm surge and high winds. By Friday afternoon, military helicopters had arrived to clear the main road and bring relief teams into the town. Regional officials say rebuilding access and restoring services are top priorities as survivors wait for additional assistance.
