'We need food, we have no food' - desperation takes hold in Jamaica after hurricane

November 1, 2025

Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful Category 5 storms ever recorded in the Caribbean, devastated the Jamaican port city of Black River, leaving residents desperate and isolated without electricity, running water, or access to aid. With at least 19 deaths confirmed in Jamaica and 30 more in Haiti, survivors are scavenging through debris and looting damaged stores to find food and water as they simultaneously search for missing family members. Local infrastructure including the hospital, police station, and fire station have been destroyed, with officials estimating 90% of homes are gone and many roads remain impassable, preventing aid deliveries from Kingston.

Who is affected

Residents of Black River, Jamaica
People in neighboring Haiti (30 deaths reported)
At least 19 deceased individuals in Jamaica
Demar Walker and his eight-year-old son separated in Westmoreland
Jimmy Esson, who lost everything
Chegun Braham and other residents without food or water access
A couple who owned multiple stores that were looted
Michael Tharkurdeen, a local medic
Mayor Richard Solomon
Communities in St Elizabeth parish and Westmoreland parish

What action is being taken

Residents are scavenging wreckage for food and climbing into damaged stores to retrieve supplies
People are throwing food and water to others in need from atop damaged markets
A couple is standing guard outside their remaining store to prevent looting
Aid agencies and the military are transporting supplies by land from Kingston
Military helicopters have deployed armed officials to Black River to clear crowds and restore order

Why it matters

This catastrophe demonstrates the devastating human impact of extreme weather events, with an entire community left without basic necessities like food, water, electricity, and medical care. The breakdown of infrastructure and communication networks has isolated survivors from both aid and their families, while the destruction of 90% of homes and essential services (hospital, police station, fire station) means the community faces a long-term humanitarian crisis. The desperation driving residents to loot stores reflects the urgent need for organized disaster response, and the rising death toll—with many still missing—indicates the scale of tragedy may continue to grow as communication is restored and search efforts expand.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC