Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:04pm on 01 Nov 2025,Saturday Weather & Environment
Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 5 storm, devastated Black River, Jamaica, leaving residents desperate and isolated three days after impact. The death toll reached 19 in Jamaica and 30 in Haiti. With no electricity, running water, or cell service, residents scavenge debris for food and loot damaged supermarkets and pharmacies for survival supplies. No aid trucks have reached the coastal town, 150km west of Kingston. Local officials estimate 90% of houses destroyed, including the hospital, police station, and fire station. Mayor Richard Solomon acknowledged residents' desperation while describing a "delicate balance" in response. Aid from Kingston faces impassable roads flooded and blocked with debris. Military helicopters arrived Friday, bringing armed officials to restore order.
