Hurricane Melissa directly impacted around 90,000 families in western Jamaica and stripped roofs from more than 120,000 buildings, according to preliminary findings from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management. Commander Alvin Gayle, the agency’s newly appointed Director General, reported that 27 communities—mainly in St. Elizabeth, St. James, and Trelawny—remain inaccessible due to landslides and flooding.
The storm, which struck New Hope in Westmoreland as a Category 5 hurricane, caused widespread destruction across six parishes. Recovery teams from multiple agencies are restoring essential services, while a finalized damage assessment is expected soon. In the education sector, over 600 institutions suffered damage, including 450 schools in affected areas and eight tertiary facilities. Repairs are underway, with temporary classrooms and tarpaulin-covered roofs being considered to resume instruction, particularly for students preparing for major exams.
The storm, which struck New Hope in Westmoreland as a Category 5 hurricane, caused widespread destruction across six parishes. Recovery teams from multiple agencies are restoring essential services, while a finalized damage assessment is expected soon. In the education sector, over 600 institutions suffered damage, including 450 schools in affected areas and eight tertiary facilities. Repairs are underway, with temporary classrooms and tarpaulin-covered roofs being considered to resume instruction, particularly for students preparing for major exams.
