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Kingston/New York, 6 November 2025 —Hurricane Melissa has caused significant loss of life
and widespread destruction across western Jamaica. According to satellite-based analysis from the
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the storm has left over 4.8 million tonnes of
debris blocking roads, obstructing access to schools, hospitals and clinics, farms, and markets,
slowing the delivery of relief supplies, and delaying the restoration of key services.
The storm hit Jamaica on 28 October as a Category 5 hurricane. Tens of thousands of homes have
been damaged, particularly in St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland, where whole towns were
decimated and up to 90 percent of buildings in some areas were impacted. UNDP’s AI-based model
estimates that up to 32,500 people may have been internally displaced.
“Entire communities are surrounded by debris,” said Kishan Khoday, UNDP Resident
Representative in Jamaica. “Debris removal is critical to kick-start early recovery, to restoring safe
access to homes and infrastructure, and reviving essential services. We need to act fast because
delay means blocked roads, vital services at a standstill, lost income, and increased suffering to
those hit hardest by the storm.”
UNDP estimates the debris would fill approximately 480,000 standard truckloads. It includes
approximately 2.1 million tonnes of building debris, 1.3 million tonnes of vegetation debris, and 1.4
million tonnes of personal property waste. These are minimum estimates based on the latest
damage data from UNOSAT and Copernicus and are expected to increase as additional analyses and
field assessments are completed.
The devastation underscores how the intensifying impacts of climate change are fuelling more
frequent and severe disasters—an urgent reminder, as the world gathers for COP30 this week, of
the need to scale up investment in disaster risk reduction and preparedness efforts globally.

UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

PRESS RELEASE

1 UN Plaza, New York, NY 10017 | www.undp.org

These events underline the growing climate pressures on Small Island Developing States, which
are facing more frequent and severe hurricanes, floods and droughts. They also highlight the
critical and urgent need for donor financing to support early recovery interventions that can help
communities rebuild, restore livelihoods, and strengthen resilience to future shocks. With a 50-
year history on the island, UNDP is offering support in Jamaica, including damage assessments and
planning for recovery to restore jobs and livelihoods, clear debris, repair infrastructure, and ensure
access to essential services.
The hurricane’s effects are being felt across the Caribbean. In Cuba, nearly 3 million people are
facing disrupted services, damaged homes and destruction to farms. Haiti, the Bahamas, and other
islands are also reporting flooding and destruction. UNDP is working with governments across the
region on recovery efforts.

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Media contacts
For more information or to request an interview, contact:
In Kingston: gillian.scott@undp.org
In Geneva: sarah.bel@undp.org
In New York: dylan.lowthian@undp.org and aimee.brown@undp.org

About UNDP: UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of
poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our extensive network of experts and
partners in 170 countries, we help nations build integrated and lasting solutions for people and the
planet.