The United Nations says Jamaica continues to face major recovery challenges 50 days after Hurricane Melissa caused unprecedented destruction across the island.
In a recent statement, the UN described the Category 5 storm as leaving behind an “extraordinary trail of devastation,” with damage estimates ranging between US$8 billion and US$15 billion—nearly 25 percent of Jamaica’s gross domestic product (GDP).
- Advertisement -
Dennis Zulu, UN Resident Coordinator for Jamaica and several Caribbean territories, said the hurricane affected more than 626,000 people and claimed 45 lives, highlighting the disaster’s severe human impact.
Despite ongoing recovery efforts, 90 emergency shelters remain operational, housing nearly 950 people who have not yet been able to return home. Entire communities remain exposed, with approximately 120,000 buildings, primarily in southwestern Jamaica, suffering roof loss.
Zulu noted that Hurricane Melissa caused prolonged disruptions to essential services, leaving some western parishes without electricity for weeks. Many children also remain out of school due to extensive damage to educational infrastructure.
According to the UN, about 450 schools—nearly two-thirds of all schools nationwide—were affected, experiencing roof damage, structural failures, and other serious impacts.
The hurricane also dealt a heavy blow to tourism and agriculture, two pillars of Jamaica’s economy. The UN warned that extensive damage to both sectors has placed thousands of jobs and livelihoods at risk, further straining the country’s recovery.
“This level of destruction has not only been unprecedented, but it has also reversed hard-won development gains in a country that was on a positive social and economic trajectory,” Zulu said.
The United Nations said it is working closely with the Jamaican Government, national institutions, civil society, and international partners to deliver life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable communities.
Immediate recovery priorities include restoring health services, supporting the education sector as schools prepare to reopen, repairing homes and infrastructure, and reinstating essential community services in areas still without access.
The UN also emphasized the importance of restoring livelihoods by supporting small farmers, fishers, and micro and small businesses, strengthening food security, and safeguarding tourism-related employment.
Recovery efforts, the UN stressed, must be inclusive, climate-resilient, and risk-informed, enabling Jamaica to rebuild stronger and better prepared for future disasters.
