Kingston, Jamaica — Nearly a month after Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, the death toll remains at 45 — but authorities now confirm 16 individuals remain missing. The update came today from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).
At a press briefing, ODPEM Director-General Alvin Gayle said that rescue efforts continue despite major challenges. “We remain committed to locating the missing,” he declared, acknowledging the complicated terrain and disrupted infrastructure in severely impacted parishes.
Officials added that the national relief campaign remains active: to date, roughly 209,000 food packages have been distributed island-wide. Tarpaulins, hygiene kits, and clean water supplies continue to reach hard-hit communities.
Shelters Remain Open, Hundreds Still Displaced
As of last night, there are 113 shelters still operating — primarily in Westmoreland — housing 1,441 people who have not yet returned home. Many remain displaced because their homes were destroyed or rendered unsafe by flooding, landslides, or structural damage.
In some remote areas, access remains difficult due to blocked roads and washed-out bridges. Local residents say that these obstacles have slowed search efforts and made it harder to reach isolated houses.
What’s Next: Search, Support & Restoration
- ODPEM says search and rescue teams will continue operations as long as there is hope of finding missing persons.
- Relief efforts remain a priority: rebuilding infrastructure, restoring utilities, clearing debris, and distributing aid.
- Families of the missing have been urged to report any information to their local police or ODPEM offices.
Community leaders and activists are also calling for a nationwide support program for displaced families. Some have criticized what they call a slow recovery pace, asking for faster government response and better long-term disaster planning.
Source: Irie FM
