Hurricane Melissa Inflicts US$8.8 Billion in Damages on Jamaica

Drone image captures residents navigating down a flood-scarred street in Black River, Jamaica, as recovery begins following Hurricane Melissa. Photo Credit – Maria Alejandra Cardona.

By Val Matthias. Updated 11:18 a.m., Thursday, November 20, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Hurricane Melissa has left Jamaica facing an unprecedented recovery challenge, with damages estimated at US$8.8 billion, equivalent to 41 percent of the nation’s GDP, according to a joint assessment by the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

The Global Rapid Damage Estimation (GRADE) report identifies the housing sector as the hardest hit, accounting for 41 percent of losses, followed by infrastructure (33 percent), non-residential buildings (21 percent), and agriculture (5 percent). While agriculture’s physical damage is comparatively smaller, experts warn of significant economic repercussions for farmers and rural communities.

World Bank Vice President Susana Cordeiro Guerra praised Jamaica’s resilience, noting that “strong leadership and collective determination will guide the recovery,” while pledging full institutional support. IDB Vice President Anabel González emphasized the need for a “fast, coordinated, and evidence based response” to rebuild stronger and safer.

The report, supported by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) and Japan’s Ministry of Finance, will inform Jamaica’s long-term recovery strategy under the leadership of the Planning Institute of Jamaica.

This marks the costliest hurricane in Jamaica’s history, underscoring the urgent need for climate resilient infrastructure and disaster preparedness across the Caribbean.

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This information was sourced from Trinidad Express.