Hurricane Melissa devastates Jamaica and forces airport shutdowns
Hurricane Melissa, a Category 4 storm that made landfall on Jamaica's southern coast early Tuesday, has left widespread destruction across the island and forced the temporary closure of the nation’s major airports, officials confirmed.
The cyclone brought sustained winds of up to 140 mph and torrential rain that triggered flash floods and landslides in several parishes. Early assessments indicate that thousands of homes have been damaged or destroyed, while critical infrastructure—including roads, power lines, and water systems—has suffered severe setbacks. Emergency shelters have been set up in Kingston, Montego Bay, and surrounding communities to accommodate displaced residents.
Airports in Kingston’s Norman Manley International and Montego Bay’s Sangster International were ordered to shut down as a precautionary measure, halting both domestic and international flights. Airport authorities cited safety concerns due to debris on runways and the risk of further severe weather. Airlines have begun rerouting passengers to alternate Caribbean hubs, and the Ministry of Transport is working to restore operations as soon as conditions allow.
Government officials described the storm as one of the most powerful to hit the island in recent decades. A spokesperson for the Office of Disaster Management said that a coordinated response involving the Jamaican Defence Force, the National Emergency Management Organization, and international aid partners is already underway. Health officials warned of potential outbreaks of water‑borne diseases and urged residents to follow hygiene guidelines.
Economists note that the damage comes at a vulnerable time for Jamaica’s tourism sector, which accounts for a significant portion of the country’s GDP. While the immediate impact on travel bookings is expected to be negative, experts suggest that the island’s resilience and previous experience with hurricane recovery may help mitigate longer‑term losses.
Recovery efforts are set to continue over the coming weeks, with the government pledging financial assistance for rebuilding homes and restoring essential services. International donors have expressed readiness to provide humanitarian aid, and the World Bank has indicated it will assess the situation for possible loan support. Authorities emphasized that the safety of residents and the restoration of critical infrastructure remain the top priorities as Jamaica begins the long road to recovery.
