KINGSTON, Jamaica — Nearly two months after Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica with unprecedented force, the scale of the challenge facing the country is becoming clearer—and more sobering.
According to the United Nations, the Category 5 hurricane caused destruction on a scale rarely experienced in Jamaica’s modern history, with total damage and losses now estimated between US$8 billion and US$15 billion, equivalent to nearly 25 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
The UN Resident Coordinator for Jamaica and several neighbouring territories, Dennis Zulu, said the hurricane affected more than 626,000 people and resulted in 45 deaths, highlighting the severe human cost alongside the economic impact.
Communities Still Displaced
While progress has been made in emergency response and early recovery, the UN reports that 90 emergency shelters remain operational, housing nearly 950 people who are still unable to return home.
Entire communities remain exposed, particularly in south…
