Kingston, Jamaica — 19 January 2026
The International Monetary Fund has approved approximately US$415 million in emergency financing for Jamaica following the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, providing short-term economic relief as the country confronts mounting pressures on housing, infrastructure, and public finances.
The funding was approved on January 16 under the IMF’s Rapid Financing Instrument for large natural disasters. It is intended to help Jamaica meet urgent balance-of-payments needs after the hurricane disrupted economic activity, damaged critical infrastructure, and weakened key revenue sources, including tourism.
Hurricane Melissa caused extensive destruction across several parishes, damaging homes, roads, utilities, and public facilities. Entire communities—particularly in low-lying and rural areas—experienced severe housing loss, displacement, and service interruptions. For a country where housing resilience and land use are already shaped by climate expos…
