Hurricane Melissa Leaves 19 Dead in Jamaica Amid Widespread Flooding

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, has caused significant devastation in Jamaica, resulting in at least 19 fatalities and extensive flooding, particularly in the New River community. Residents are grappling with rising waters and the aftermath of the storm.

Isaiah Beck, a carpenter from New River in St. Elizabeth parish, attempted to reach his storm-damaged home but was deterred by chest-high floodwaters and deceased livestock. He observed a dead cow and hog, noting that the water was becoming infested and coming from all sides.

Three days post-landfall, many communities remain isolated due to rising floodwaters, exacerbated by blocked drainage systems. The storm has left at least 19 people dead nationwide, with officials indicating that more bodies may be recovered. Approximately 462,000 residents are without power, and emergency food distributions have commenced.

Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms on record to hit the Caribbean, made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane, causing extensive damage, particularly in southwestern areas. The storm has since dissipated after causing widespread devastation across the region.