Aerial drone footage has provided a harrowing glimpse into the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s passage through Jamaica. The images, captured by the Aviation and Para-Transportation Network (APTN), show entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble, with many homes completely destroyed and others severely damaged. The storm, which made landfall with sustained winds of up to 150 mph, has left thousands of residents displaced and in urgent need of assistance.
Local authorities are working alongside international aid organizations to assess the full extent of the damage and coordinate emergency response efforts. The Caribbean island is currently grappling with the aftermath of what is expected to be one of the most destructive hurricanes to hit the region in recent years. The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) has reported that over 300,000 people are without power, and several towns remain cut off due to fallen trees and damaged infrastructure.
Residents of Kingston, the capital, have shared heart-wrenching accounts of the storm’s impact, describing homes being swept away, trees uprooted, and streets flooded. With the hurricane season far from over, officials are urging caution and emphasizing the need for preparedness as they mobilize resources to support recovery efforts. The footage serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerability of island nations to the increasing frequency and intensity of tropical storms.