Residents in Black River, Jamaica, were left without aid days after Hurricane Melissa devastated its path, according to a BBC report.
Speaking to the news outlet, residents said they had not seen any aid trucks in the town for the past three days. For food, they reportedly resorted to eating whatever they could find in the remaining debris or in wrecked supermarkets and pharmacies. Residents have been walking miles to salvage what they can for food as 60% of Jamaica remains without power.
The aid was reportedly delayed because the storm destroyed Black River’s relief supplies. Vehicles were reportedly damaged due to the flooding and roads were also blocked by debris.
“We have to use whatever we see here, on the street, and also in the supermarket,” said resident Demar Walker to the BBC about the lack of aid post-Hurricane Melissa. “We had to throw food to other people.”
Considered to be “ground zero,” Black River received relief supplies for the first time yesterday, according to Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. A satellite disaster relief site was constructed near Black River at the Luana community center. Residents at Black River have reportedly begun gathering around the Jamaica Defense Forces’ truck for the packages.
Packages included essentials such as rice, beans, powdered milk, cooking oil and sardines. According to the director of domestic humanitarian and emergency affairs, Mike Bassett, people are still in “shock” as they wait for relief with clean water, canned proteins, hygiene and cleaning supplies identified as the biggest necessities. A number of homes are also dealing with severe roof damage, requiring tarps as a temporary solution.
“Everyone is homeless right now,” said Black River citizen Rosemarie Gayle upon receiving a package, per CBS News. “Thank you, thank you. I can’t say thank you enough.”
According to satellite images, most of Black River has been completely destroyed by Hurricane Melissa, with officials claiming it will have to be rebuilt.
Overall, the storm brought up to 16 feet of flooding. At least two out of the 60 people who have died across the Caribbean as a result of Hurricane Melissa died in the town.
Hundreds are now left without homes, as roads are covered with pieces of their houses. Makeshift camps have been created for those who did not evacuate the area. As of last Thursday, 13,000 people remained in shelters across the entire island.
Hospitals have also been damaged, although healthcare officials continued to distribute care throughout the hurricane. Per an account given to ABC News, staff members provided help throughout the storm, using flashlights and lanterns to see when the power eventually went out. As winds reached approximately 185 mph due to the Category 5 hurricane, they continued to help residents even as shards of glass and other debris flew throughout the facility.
Now, in its aftermath, more organizations are announcing increased support for towns destroyed by Hurricane Melissa.
Early on Sunday, the United Nations announced that another $4 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund will be allocated to help UN agencies and partners provide more relief to Jamaican citizens.
