100 shelters remain active housing 1,107 displaced persons after Hurricane Melissa

Approximately 100 shelters remain active across the island, currently housing 1,107 displaced persons in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

Addressing Wednesday's (December 3) post-Cabinet press briefing on Hurricane Melissa Recovery at Jamaica House, Director General, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Commander Alvin Gayle, reported that shelter occupants continue to receive meals, hygiene supplies, psychological support, and medical assistance as part of the national relief effort.

"Partners in this sector include the Social Development Commission (SDC), UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). They continue to strengthen our shelter management processes through assessments, training, and the activation of reporting systems across parishes," he said.

Commander Gayle further indicated that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), through its Community Safety and Security Branch, continues welfare checks on the shelters in various communities across the island.

He informed that, during these checks, the JCF has distributed approximately 10,500 care packages, ensuring that communities most affected by Hurricane Melissa, along with vulnerable households, continue to receive essential support.

"I will indicate, as well, that Jamaica's security environment remains stable throughout this period," the Director General added.

Commander Gayle highlighted that, to date, the national relief system has distributed just over 259,000 care packages to individuals in need.

"Our partners in food security, amongst them the World Food Programme, World Central Kitchens and Global Empowerment Mission, have been central to sustaining the affected populations. To date, over 3.2 million hot meals have been served across Jamaica, primarily in the western parishes, and some additional over 50,000 food care packages have been distributed to communities in need," he informed.

The Director General added that nutritional support for vulnerable groups remains a priority.

He further informed that the Ministry of Health and Wellness, with the support of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, continues to deliver specialised nutritional services across the island. These include the provision of iron tablets, folate, and high nutritional supplements.

"Most recently, they would have also completed some nutritional educational training programmes for our front-line personnel," Commander Gayle said.

Meanwhile, the Director General advised that the health sector's restoration continues to advance at a steady pace, noting that 97 per cent of hospitals have been reconnected to Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) power.

Additionally, he indicated that more than 50 per cent of health centres across all parishes are now operational, pointing out that 24 hospitals and 325 health centres have been restored to service.

Commander Gayle stated that the Ministry is intensifying its public education campaigns, with a primary focus on infectious diseases.

This heightened messaging comes in response to the recent flooding and debris in specific areas.

The confirmed death toll from Category Five Hurricane Melissa remains at 45, while 18 persons are still reported missing.

"We continue to hold the families and communities at this time and their loved ones in our thoughts," Commander Gayle said.

- JIS

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