Hours after Hurricane Melissa made landfall, residents of Jamaica are emerging from the storm's shadow with determination and grit. Fallen trees, power lines and debris still block key routes across parishes like St. Elizabeth, but community members have armed themselves with chainsaws and shovels to clear the way.
Rescue crews and emergency services are fanning out across the island, racing against time as the official death toll is expected to rise. Teams are focusing on remote settlements where relief supplies and medical aid are urgently needed.
In many neighbourhoods, volunteers have organised food kitchens and supply drops, teaming up with local businesses to get water, meals and first-aid kits to families cut off by the storm. Social media platforms have become hubs for sharing real-time road-closure updates and coordinating aid.
As debris is cleared and power is restored, the island’s young entrepreneurs and changemakers are already sketching blueprints for resilient rebuilding. Their message is clear: Jamaica’s recovery will hinge on community spirit, innovation and a collective push for stronger defences against future hurricanes.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
