Special Press Briefing For Hurricane Melissa Recovery

On Tuesday, 6th November at 10 a.m., a national press conference was held at the Banquet Hall, Jamaica House to provide a full update on the country’s ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa.

Hurricane Melissa’s Category 5 landfall left Jamaica with historic damage: over 120,000 buildings affected, 90,000 families displaced, and several communities still cut off. This week’s national briefing outlined where the country stands.

Relief & Marooned Communities

ODPEM, the JDF, and international partners have moved from emergency response to organised relief. Over 20,000 family food packages have been delivered, with daily airlifts to 27 marooned communities until full access is restored.

Power, Telecoms & Roads

Electricity is 55% restored, with Kingston mostly back on-grid. The western parishes remain the hardest hit. Satellite Wi-Fi units (Starlink) are being deployed to disconnected communities. Major roads are open, but interior routes in St. Elizabeth, St. James, and Westmoreland remain restricted.

Health Services

A field hospital is fully operational in St. Elizabeth, with two more being set up in Falmouth and Montego Bay. Mobile pharmacy units are reaching rural communities, and vector-control teams are active to manage mosquito surges.

Schools

Over 450 schools were damaged. Temporary classrooms and sanitation support are being rolled out, with exam students prioritized for reopening.

Strengthening ODPEM

ODPEM has been moved under the Office of the Prime Minister, with new leadership and UNOPS support to improve disaster logistics and long-term resilience.

Governance & Oversight

All donations and aid are being tracked through the Support Jamaica system. A broader oversight structure is being developed for transparency during the recovery phase.

Security & Shelter Protection

Police have increased presence in shelters after one reported assault, and national security operations continue alongside disaster response.

The Road Ahead

Jamaica faces an estimated US $6–7 billion in losses. Relief will continue for months as the nation prepares for long-term rebuilding and stronger resilience.

Despite the devastation, communities, responders, and diaspora support continue to show extraordinary strength. Hope and hard work are driving Jamaica forward.