The Current Jamaican resilience after category 5 storm
Dec 16, 2025
David Common, a CBC journalist known for his on-the-ground reporting, shares gripping insights from Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa's devastation. He reveals the shocking damage at Cornwall Regional Hospital, where roofless wards are still treating storm victims. Local resilience shines as he meets hopeful Jamaicans planning for the tourism season, but fears loom over job losses in the tourism sector. Common highlights the interplay of climate change and recovery efforts, emphasizing the dire need for international aid to support the island's rebuilding.
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Scale Of The Devastation
- Hurricane Melissa was a Category 5 storm that caused widespread devastation across Jamaica, damaging over 150,000 buildings and killing at least 45 people.
- The storm's cost (about $10 billion) is roughly half of Jamaica's $20 billion GDP, highlighting severe national economic impact.
Hospital Roof Ripped Off
- Cornwall Regional Hospital lost part of its roof and moved patients into concrete areas during the storm to protect them.
- The emergency department remains overcrowded with amputations, oxygen patients, and long waits as staff work under strain.
Canadian Medical Volunteers On Site
- Canadian Medical Assistance Teams set up a tent beside the hospital to relieve pressure on local staff and handle 30–40% of daily patient volume.
- Dr. Juliana Deutscher and volunteers treat worsened chronic conditions like diabetes where patients lost meds or refrigeration for insulin.