Hurricane Melissa has left a massive trail of destruction in Jamaica, with damage costs expected to reach billions. The powerful Category 5 storm hit near New Hope on Tuesday, bringing winds of 185 miles per hour—the strongest hurricane Jamaica has ever seen. The storm caused severe damage, especially in Montego Bay and much of the western part of the island.
According to the property intelligence firm Cotality, insurers could face claims between $1 billion and $3 billion. But the overall property damage is much higher, estimated between $2 billion and $5 billion. Other reports put the total economic impact at around $8 billion, which is about 35% of Jamaica’s entire economy.
Around 25% of Jamaica’s population lived in areas struck by hurricane-force winds, but the capital city, Kingston, was mostly spared from a direct hit. Still, the devastation in tourist areas like Montego Bay is significant, with nearly 40% of buildings and roads severely damaged.
Melissa didn’t just affect Jamaica. After hitting the island, it moved on toward Haiti, Cuba, and Bermuda, leaving about 50 people dead across the Caribbean. The full extent of the damage may take time to assess, as many areas remain difficult to reach and satellite data is still being analyzed.
The aftermath will be challenging for Jamaica, both economically and in terms of recovery. With a significant chunk of the island’s infrastructure hit hard, rebuilding efforts are likely to be a long road ahead.