1 / 8Jamaica Faces Billions in Economic Losses | Hurricane Melissa caused damage equal to 28–32% of Jamaica’s GDP, with losses estimated at $6–7 billion, Prime Minister Andrew Holness told Parliament, according to Reuters. Economic output may fall up to 13%, and the government will temporarily suspend fiscal rules as debt rises. (Image: Reuters)
2 / 8US Announces $24 Million Emergency Aid Package | The US has pledged $24 million in emergency support for Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba and the Bahamas, with $12 million for Jamaica and more aid expected as assessments continue, Reuters reported. (Image: AP)
3 / 8Homes, Roads and Power Networks Destroyed | Thousands of homes, bridges and roads were damaged, cutting off communities. Jamaica plans climate-resilient rebuilding, including underground power lines and duty-free imports for solar and satellite gear to boost recovery, Reuters noted. (Image: AP)
4 / 8Peak Travel Season Under Threat | With Jamaica’s peak season beginning December 15, the government is rushing to restore the tourism sector, which was projected to grow 7% and attract 4.3 million visitors, according to AP. All international airports have reopened, though smaller hotels in the western region may struggle to meet the timeline. (Image: AP)
5 / 8Tourism Jobs and Small Businesses Hit Hard | Tourism generates 30% of Jamaica’s GDP and supports 175,000 jobs, AP reported. Workers and small vendors say the storm has “shattered incomes,” especially in hard-hit western parishes. Some hotels are offering 25%–50% discounts and hosting aid workers to stay afloat. (Image: AP)
6 / 8Agriculture Ruined, Food Costs May Rise | Hurricane Melissa battered Jamaica’s farming belt — already weakened by last year’s Hurricane Beryl — raising concerns that food prices could climb in the coming weeks as supplies tighten and crop losses mount. (Image: AP)
7 / 8Widespread Humanitarian Challenges Across Region | Across the Caribbean, dozens lost their lives, including children in Haiti, Reuters said. Haiti suffered severe flooding that damaged nearly 12,000 homes and restricted clean-water access. Cuba evacuated hundreds of thousands, avoiding deaths but facing heavy crop and infrastructure losses, Reuters reported. In Jamaica, AP noted that 25 communities remain cut off, helicopters are delivering food, and nearly half the island still lacks power. (Image: Reuters)
8 / 8Climate Warning and Push for Stronger Defences | Driven by record-warm seas, Hurricane Melissa intensified rapidly — a trend scientists link to climate change. Jamaica has pledged to rebuild for future storms, with stronger infrastructure standards and resilience investments. (Image: AP)
