Authorities in Jamaica have set up multiple hospitals as rescuers dig out more bodies from the rubble left behind by Hurricane Melissa on Sunday.
Officials report that the death toll in the Caribbean has now surpassed 50, with further increases anticipated in the upcoming days. The island nation's officials on Saturday said 19 people had died, while Haiti's Civil Protection department, meanwhile, said at least 31 people have been killed there as a result of the storm.
Hurricane Melissa tore across Jamaica as a monstrous Category 5 hurricane—the most powerful storm ever recorded on the island—reaching speeds of up to 185 miles (nearly 300 kilometres) per hour and drenching the country with torrential rain.
Health facilities in the western part of the country were particularly hard-hit, prompting officials to deploy several field hospitals in the days ahead to increase the health and emergency responses. The first such hospital established in Black River is expected to begin its operations from Sunday afternoon, said Health Minister Christopher Tufton.
"That facility will come fully furnished, which will include an operating theatre and other critical diagnostic equipment, and some team members to support the local team,” he said. He said, “We are expecting the hospital to be up and running in the coming week.”
Additional hospitals are expected to strengthen with aid from the World Health Organisation and several countries, including Spain, Canada and India, Tufton said.
Also Read: Hurricane Melissa slams Cuba after ravaging Jamaica
Follow us
