Four days after Hurricane Melissa, rescuers spread across Jamaica to reach cut-off communities as aid rolled into hard-hit St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland. With more than 60% of the island still without power, the Jamaica Defense Force opened a relief hub near Black River, declared ground zero by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, while residents sought food and water in the heat. The U.N. World Food Program delivered 2,000 food boxes for 6,000 people, and a record $70.8 million CCRIF payout was announced. Officials reported at least 19 deaths and warned of disease risks as assessments continue.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.