Melissa’s Aftermath Reveals Scale of Climate Risk for SIDS – Terrelonge

Minister of State, Honourable Alando Terrelonge, says the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa reflects the growing climate vulnerability of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Jamaica, which reinforces the need for sustained multilateral cooperation to build greater resilience.

“The horrific scale and frequency of climate related disasters pose a direct threat to life, property and the economic and national security of Jamaica and other SIDS. Jamaica has been strengthening its resilience through coordinated national action supported by strong multilateral partnerships. We remain committed to working closely with our international partners, many of whom have already rendered much needed assistance, to restore services, stabilise affected areas and advance measures required to help strengthen Jamaica’s long-term climate resilience”, Terrelonge said while participating in assessment visits across St James and St Elizabeth North Western, two of the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa.

The assessments were accompanied by the distribution of approximately 700 care packages, tarpaulins, bedding and other supplies, and supported geo-tagging and data-collection efforts now informing risk mapping and reconstruction priorities.

“What we are seeing in these communities underscores why climate financing, adaptation support, disaster-risk reduction and loss-and-damage mechanisms are vital for countries like Jamaica. These field assessments give us a direct picture of the damage to homes, livelihoods and infrastructure, and the information we gather guides national recovery plans, shapes our adaptation priorities and informs the support we seek from international partners”, the State Minister added.

The Government of Jamaica, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, continues to coordinate international assistance to accelerate recovery efforts, working with bilateral partners, international organisations and the Diaspora.

In St James, Minister Terrelonge joined the Honourable Juliet Cuthbert Flynn, State Minister in the Ministry of National Security and Peace, along with teams from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, the Jamaica Defence Force and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. The teams visited Lethe, Eden, Richmond Hill and Comfort Hall where homes, livelihoods and roadways were heavily impacted. Families received food packages, clothing and shoes through the Government’s emergency relief distribution. Visits were also made to Ginger Hill, Maybole, Mahogany Hill and Providence in St. Elizabeth where farms, homes and community infrastructure suffered widespread damage.