🌪️ Hurricane Melissa death toll rises as aid struggles to reach parts of Jamaica | BBC News

 🌪️ Hurricane Melissa death toll rises as aid struggles to reach parts of Jamaica | BBC News

The death toll from Hurricane Melissa has continued to rise as rescue teams struggle to reach remote areas of Jamaica devastated by the storm. According to local authorities, at least 48 people have been confirmed dead, while dozens more remain missing. The Category 4 hurricane brought torrential rain, flooding, and landslides, cutting off several towns and villages from the rest of the island.

Power outages have affected nearly half a million homes, and many communities are still without clean water or medical supplies. Roads and bridges have been washed away, making relief efforts extremely difficult. The Jamaican government has declared a national state of emergency, while international organizations such as the Red Cross and the UN have started coordinating relief operations.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness said in a statement that “Jamaica is facing one of its darkest moments,” urging international partners to provide urgent assistance. The storm, which has now weakened to a tropical storm, is expected to move toward Cuba and the Bahamas in the coming days, bringing more heavy rain and potential flooding.