Hurricane Melissa Death Toll in Jamaica Climbs as Relief Efforts Continue

The confirmed death toll from 🌀Hurricane Melissa in 🇯🇲Jamaica has risen to 45, with 15 more people reported missing, authorities said Tuesday.

According to The Associated Press, officials warned that the numbers could climb further as rescue teams still struggle to reach two towns cut off since the catastrophic Category 5 storm struck the island’s western region on Oct. 28.

Helicopters have been dropping food and other essential supplies to the isolated communities, Alvin Gayle, director general of 🇯🇲Jamaica’s emergency management office, said.

He added that the storm has displaced 30,000 households, and 1,100 people remain in 88 emergency shelters across the country.

Nearly three dozen roadways are still blocked, as crews work to clear debris from the storm’s destruction, Gayle noted.

Communication and utility services are gradually being restored: about 50% of mobile customers have service, while over 70% now have access to water.