JDF Executes Multiple Evacuation Missions with International Support Following Hurricane Melissa

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., has announced that the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), in partnership with international allies, has successfully executed multiple evacuation missions in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall on October 28.

The hurricane’s passage caused widespread infrastructural damage, rendering many communities inaccessible due to floodwaters and debris. To date, 25 communities have been reported as marooned.

Speaking during a special press briefing on Hurricane Melissa recovery at Jamaica House on Monday (November 3), Minister Charles described the rescue teams as brave and tireless.

“They risked their lives to carry out an evacuation mission, rescuing the sick and those stranded in about four areas across the affected zones. We continued that today (Monday) with airlifts that have now been activated, rescuing the stranded but also providing the well-needed drop-off of packages to those areas that are completely cut off,” he said.

Mr. Charles also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of volunteers from across Jamaica, noting that their efforts reflect a deep understanding of the mission’s significance, especially for families who have lost everything.

“[They joined] our parish officers, social workers, the JDF, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), and the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) to provide support, comfort and just to share a meal. It’s not going to be easy recovering… [but] we are coordinating with every available resource.

“I want to acknowledge the Chief Executive Officer of Food For the Poor, who is here on the island; our representatives from the World Food Programme, Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) and others who are working with us to get food, water, medicine and shelter to those who need it the most,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister Charles said the Government will continue to deploy Bell 429 helicopters to support ongoing rescue operations and conduct aerial assessments in areas affected by Hurricane Melissa.

“We’re also using the Chinooks and Black Hawk helicopters brought in by our partners in the US. Those are assisting us to provide a lifeline to the several Jamaicans that remain stranded through the evacuation process, as well as the packages that are dropped off from the skies while they are on the ground. We have teams on the ground simultaneously providing support, so our JDF teams are not only doing airlifts but where we can’t go, they go. [We have] done more than 17 communities between [Sunday] and [Monday],” he said.