Hurricane Melissa has affected approximately 1.5 million people in Jamaica and caused damage equivalent to 30 percent of the country's economic output, according to Kishan Khoday, who represents the UN Development Programme in the Caribbean. The Category 5 storm generated nearly five million metric tonnes of wreckage in western portions of the island nation, while authorities have recorded 32 fatalities and disrupted services to at least 30 isolated communities.
More than 100,000 residences sustained damage, and roughly 36,000 individuals require immediate food aid. The UN Development Programme committed $400,000 toward initial recovery efforts, while the World Food Programme began flying supplies from Barbados to support over 6,000 households. A coordination team comprising 16 UN members and 60 partner organizations is working alongside Jamaican officials.
Cuba also experienced significant destruction, with 120,000 residents housed in emergency shelters and 29 communities cut off by flooding. Damage extended to 45,000 homes, nearly 500 medical facilities, and about 1,500 schools across the affected region.
More than 100,000 residences sustained damage, and roughly 36,000 individuals require immediate food aid. The UN Development Programme committed $400,000 toward initial recovery efforts, while the World Food Programme began flying supplies from Barbados to support over 6,000 households. A coordination team comprising 16 UN members and 60 partner organizations is working alongside Jamaican officials.
Cuba also experienced significant destruction, with 120,000 residents housed in emergency shelters and 29 communities cut off by flooding. Damage extended to 45,000 homes, nearly 500 medical facilities, and about 1,500 schools across the affected region.
