Jamaica Hurricane: Over 170 Communities Affected Across Six Parishes As Death Toll Rises To 19

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News Americas, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Oct. 31, 2025: More than 170 communities across six of Jamaica’s hardest-hit parishes have been moderately or severely affected by Hurricane Melissa’s devastating passage, according to Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie as he updated media yesterday on the Jamaica hurricane.

Keith Ashby walks past a tree that fell on his house following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, in the Newell community, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on October 29, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

In Jamaica, officials said they had dedicated a helicopter to the recovery of bodies. The country’s information minister told Reuters on Thursday that at least 19 people were killed in the storm, including a child, and they expected the death toll to keep rising. In one isolated community, residents pleaded with officials to remove the body of one victim tangled in a tree. On Thursday, dozens of U.S. search-and-rescue experts landed in Jamaica along with their dogs.

Nicola Gowdie who lost her entire home, stands on October 29, 2025 where only the foundation of the building remains following the passage the previous day of Hurricane Melissa, in the Fullerswood community, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

Speaking at a special media briefing at Jamaica House, Minister McKenzie identified Manchester, St. Elizabeth, Trelawny, Hanover, Westmoreland, and St. James as the most impacted parishes, with widespread flooding, landslides, and infrastructural damage reported.

He confirmed that 117 members of the Jamaica Defence Force’s Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) have been deployed to support search-and-rescue operations and deliver emergency food packages alongside the Jamaica Constabulary Force and Jamaica Fire Brigade.

A man walks past a car and damaged buildings October 29, 2025 following the passage the previous day of Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

“They are en route, making clearance and distributing food packages in many accessible communities,” McKenzie said. Relief efforts are being coordinated with local and international partners, including the World Food Programme (WFP), UNICEF, Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Red Cross, and Salvation Army.

The Minister also praised the thousands of “well-thinking Jamaicans” who have joined volunteer efforts to provide relief and support to affected residents.

To strengthen coordination and transparency, the Government has launched a new national relief website to mobilize donations, streamline aid, and support recovery across the island.

Meanwhile, more than 13,000 people remained crowded into shelters, with 72% of the island without power and only 35% of mobile phone sites in operation, officials said. People clutched cash as they formed long lines at the few gas stations and supermarkets open in affected areas.

Jamaican Entertainers Step Up To Help As Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica

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NewsAmericasNow.com, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Oct. 31, 2025: Jamaican entertainers at home and abroad are rallying to support their country in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm ever to hit the island.

Leading the charge is Grammy Award–winning musician Shaggy, who has teamed up with Orlando attorney Dan Newlin to fly in emergency aid using two private jets. Together, they are delivering water, medicine, flashlights, and other essentials to some of Jamaica’s hardest-hit communities.

Singer Shaggy is among entertainers pitching in to help their homeland.

“My country has been devastated by this,” Shaggy told NBC6. “My wife was on the ground at our home in Jamaica, and the destruction was horrendous.”

The musician, born Orville Burrell in Kingston, personally organized two flights that arrived Thursday, with a third scheduled for Saturday. The aircrafts will land in Kingston before distributing supplies in coordination with local relief teams.

“They don’t have the infrastructure that we do. So we’ve been blessed to live the American dream in different ways. This is our time to give back,” Newlin said.

Officials confirmed Thursday that several of Jamaica’s airports have reopened to receive relief flights, with 13 planes expected to land throughout the day yesterday.

Known for his deep philanthropic work, including raising over JMD $100 million for the Bustamante Hospital for Children, Shaggy’s latest effort reinforces his reputation as both an artist and humanitarian. His arrival with much-needed aid has been met with gratitude and praise from citizens and government officials alike.

Sean Paul Launches $50,000 Matching Fund for Relief Efforts

Meanwhile, Jamaica dancehall superstar Sean Paul has also joined the recovery efforts, pledging to match donations up to US$50,000 through his Sean Paul Foundation, in partnership with Food For The Poor Jamaica.

In a heartfelt Instagram video, Paul urged fans around the world to contribute: “My island Jamaica is going through a tough time right now. Hurricane Melissa has caused a lot of damage. People are misplaced, people are hurt, people are without help right now. I’m just asking from your heart, if you can give to the country that has given you so much – for your entertainment and peace of mind.”

Paul’s foundation is working to deliver humanitarian aid to the most affected areas, focusing on food, water, and shelter for displaced families.

Beenie Man, Spice, and Lady Saw Join the Movement

Sean Paul is also stepping up for Jamaica.

Dancehall legend Beenie Man is mobilizing his Beenie Man Foundation Crisis Rescue Team to assist residents, particularly in rural communities cut off by flooding and landslides.

Bennie Man has stepped up to help those in need.

Posting a serene morning video of the sky after the storm, Beenie Man shared a message of faith and resilience: “Grateful for life and calm after Hurricane Melissa. Start your day with love and help out a neighbor who needs assistance. Together we will rebuild.”

Meanwhile, Spice announced that her Grace Hamilton Women Empowerment Foundation is coordinating direct assistance and urged those in need to email gracehamiltonfoundation@gmail.com.

In another powerful act of generosity, Lady Saw offered to open her eight-bedroom home to single mothers with babies who have lost everything in the storm.

A Nation of Stars, United in Service

From corporate partners and diaspora donors to Jamaica’s biggest music icons, the outpouring of support underscores the country’s enduring spirit of solidarity. As the nation begins the long road to recovery, these entertainers are proving that when the music stops, the mission to uplift Jamaica continues.