Damage from Hurricane Melissa could cost Jamaica up to $15 billion, the United Nations said on Wednesday, 50 days after the tropical storm struck the Caribbean island.
The human toll has been severe. Authorities reported 45 deaths and more than 600,000 people affected. Hundreds are still living in shelters, unable to return home.
“The physical devastation has been extensive nationwide,” Dennis Zulu, UN Resident Coordinator for Jamaica and other Caribbean territories, told reporters. “At least 120,000 buildings, primarily in southwestern Jamaica, lost their roofs, leaving entire communities exposed.”
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The hurricane caused prolonged disruptions to essential services. Most parishes went without electricity for weeks.
Melissa ranks as the third most powerful Atlantic storm on record. It left a trail of destruction across the Caribbean, including Haiti and Cuba.
The UN estimates that total damage and losses from Melissa could reach nearly a quarter of Jamaica’s GDP.
“Hurricane Melissa shows how climate-related events can erase years of development in hours,” Zulu said. “As recovery continues, the UN will advocate for stronger resilience, better financing, and inclusive recovery solutions that leave no one behind.”
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The UN, in coordination with Jamaican authorities, has launched a large-scale humanitarian response. Efforts include food aid, sanitation, temporary shelter, and medical care, supported by UN member states and the Central Emergency Response Fund.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
