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Storm damage

Devastating Impact of Hurricane Melissa on the Caribbean

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Preliminary damage assessments from Hurricane Melissa, a category 5 storm, showed a level of devastation "never seen before" on the Caribbean island of Jamaica. As the storm moved north of Jamaica, the head of the UN team noted the "tremendous and unprecedented destruction of infrastructure" across the island. The UN is working closely with governments and humanitarian partners to assess needs, assist those impacted, and prepare in areas that may yet face the storm's impact.

Key Takeaways:

  • Preliminary damage assessments from Hurricane Melissa showed a level of devastation "never seen before" on the Caribbean island of Jamaica.
  • The head of the UN team, Dennis Zulu, noted the "tremendous and unprecedented destruction of infrastructure" across Jamaica.
  • The UN is working closely with governments and humanitarian partners to assess needs, assist those impacted, and prepare in areas that may yet face the storm's impact.
  • The UN World Food Programme (WFP) is delivering 2,000 emergency food boxes to support 6,000 people for a week.
  • The WFP is also loading a vessel with essentials such as hygiene kits, shelter, generators, and other items to support the humanitarian effort in Jamaica.
  • The UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed described the storm as "yet another demonstration of climate science and why we must fight for a world at 1.5 degrees Celsius."
  • Data from the UN aid coordination office (OCHA) shows Melissa ranks among the most intense storms to strike Cuba in recent decades.
  • The UN allocated $4 million each to Haiti and Cuba from its Central Emergency Fund to help communities prepare for the storm and reduce its impact.
  • At least 20 Haitians, including 10 children, died due to river flooding as Melissa barrelled across the region.

Statistics:

  • Maximum sustained winds of Hurricane Melissa near 138 mph (222 km/h) and two-day rainfall totals approaching 145 millimetres.
  • 2,000 emergency food boxes to be delivered by the WFP to support 6,000 people for a week.
  • $4 million allocated by the UN to Haiti and Cuba from its Central Emergency Fund to help communities prepare for the storm and reduce its impact.
  • At least 20 Haitians, including 10 children, died due to river flooding as Melissa barrelled across the region.

Sources:

  • Charlotte Frantz, "Hurricane Melissa - Devastating Impact on the Caribbean"
  • United Nations, "UN Aid Coordination Office (OCHA)"
  • News reports from Jamaica and Cuba.

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