Hurricane Melissa Caribbean recovery

One year after Category 5 Hurricane Melissa struck the Caribbean, nations continue to face significant economic and structural rebuilding challenges.

In Jamaica, the storm is estimated to have caused US$12.2 billion in damages, representing approximately 56.7 per cent of the nation’s 2024 GDP. While progress has been made in the education sector—with 63 priority schools fully rebuilt and 81 nearing completion—residential recovery remains a major hurdle. The government is addressing a housing deficit of 150,000 units, following damage to approximately 120,000 structures. Efforts to meet housing targets are currently hampered by shortages of labor, contractors, and technical skills.

In southern Haiti, the hurricane caused severe flooding and landslides. In Petit-Goâve, flooding of the La Digue River resulted in 43 deaths and numerous missing persons. Humanitarian efforts in the region have focused on repairing destroyed infrastructure, such as clinics and roads, and mitigating health risks including waterborne illnesses and cholera.