Panamanians are Stranded in Jamaica and Pleading for Help after Hurricane Melissa Passed Through
A group of Panamanians are experiencing hours of anguish after being stranded on the island of Jamaica following the impact of Hurricane Melissa. Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, with winds up to 185 mph (≈ 295 km/h), causing flooding, landslides and significant damage to infrastructure and basic services. Panamanians affected by the crisis are facing a critical situation: canceled flights, closed airports, limited communication, and prolonged stays indefinitely. Many tourists and foreign residents are experiencing unexpected accommodation costs, and mobility is severely restricted.
“We came on a family outing to explore the area and we encountered this situation. The airline has abandoned us with flight cancellations, we no longer have medicine or clothes, the water tastes bad, we need help,” said one of the affected women.
With this hurricane, Jamaica faces one of its worst natural disasters in decades: the damage to homes, hospitals and power grids will require weeks and months of recovery.
