Hurricane Melissa Hits Jamaica

On Tuesday, Hurricane Melissa—a Category 5 hurricane—hit the region in Jamaica around New Hope which known for its agriculture. Initial reports have said that there were 4 deaths during the storm and the injured were being treated at medical facilities. Dennis Zulu—the United Nations coordinator for Jamaica—said that the food situation for all 2.8 million Jamaicans could be at risk.

Over one million Jamaican citizens were directly affected by the hurricane. The hurricane caused major damage to infrastructure, property, and roads. Mr. Zulu said that the United Nations were working in partnership with officials to support and donate to the island nations affected. He also stated that the United Nations would focus on providing food and water to those in need.

The United Nations secretary general Antonio Guterres stated that the agency had donated 4 million US dollars to nearby island countries Haiti and Cuba. The statement did not include whether Jamaica had received funds as well. The UN has also stated that the recovery period for the island nation would be long and would require additional support and aid.

The hurricane hit an agricultural region of Jamaica, which caused food and crops across the country to be devastated. This also included animals populations such as chickens to be reduced, which could severely impact the country’s food situation.

Tourism plays a big part in Jamaica’s economy, with the country gaining around five billion US dollars from tourism annually. However, the storm has affected resorts and the ecosystem, which caused the tourism industry to take a big hit.