Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba; Food Security Threatened
Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, has left a trail of destruction across Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba, resulting in at least 59 confirmed deaths and threatening the food security of vulnerable populations.
In Jamaica, the storm brought catastrophic winds up to 185 mph and significant storm surge, severely impacting fishing communities and agricultural regions. Fisher Prince Davis, whose boat sustained damage and whose family home was destroyed in White House, Westmoreland parish, described the situation as “very rough,” adding, “With the damage now, no one will be buying products.” Denver Thorpe, a farmer and regional manager for the Jamaica Agricultural Society, lost 15 acres of mango trees and two greenhouses near Amity, also in Westmoreland, stating, “There’s absolutely nothing.” The destruction comes just 15 months after Hurricane Beryl impacted thousands of Jamaican farmers and fishers.
The World Food Programme (WFP) reports that the hurricane has damaged crops across all three nations, exacerbating existing food insecurity. Lola Castro, WFP regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean, noted that “every (crop) that was on the path has been damaged,” and warned of potential import needs, particularly for Haiti, where hunger was already rising. In Cuba, despite the evacuation of 735,000 people, damage to plantain, corn, and cassava crops, as well as coffee and vegetables, is expected to worsen the country’s ongoing economic challenges and reliance on food imports – Cuba spends approximately $2 billion annually importing food. The impact on small-scale producers, who comprise around 80% of Jamaica’s agricultural sector, is particularly concerning, as they rely on these crops for both income and sustenance.
Relief efforts are underway, focusing on immediate needs like shelter, healthcare, and food. Jamaican officials are utilizing reserve funds, parametric insurance policies, and catastrophe bonds to aid in recovery, but the long-term impact on livelihoods and food supplies remains a significant concern. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization delivered seed to Cuba ahead of the storm, a spokesperson said. Authorities stated that St. Elizabeth parish, Jamaica’s “breadbasket,” remains underwater, and are working to assess the full extent of the damage and begin the process of rebuilding.
