10/30/2025
MORNING REPORT
Good Morning Friends
After 1 day, the reports are clearer and frightening, as most of the island is unrecognizable, because of the impact of the hurricane on the island. The reports coming out sections of the island is still sketchy due to lack of electricity and internet. Star Link is assisting the major internet providers to get connectivity to their customers, but this is still a challenge for people who are unable to charge their devices. So, find below the information I have received and able to share:
AIRPORTS
All three International Airports suffered significant damage with Montego Bay being most extensive. The Government has reopened Norman Manley Airport in Kingston and the Ian Fleming to be reopened today (October 30) for emergency supplies and crew. Efforts are being made to reopen MBJ as soon as possible, although its complete repairs will take months.
HOSPITALS
Most hospitals have suffered severe damages, with Cornwall Regional, Black River and Noel Holmes Hospitals among the worst. The Noel Holmes Hospital is limited to extreme emergency cases only. According to reports, it will take a few weeks/months for the restorations of complete services in a few of these hospitals.
SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES
Currently, many schools and churches are used as temporary shelters. However, it must be noted that many of the schools across the western belt of the island have lost their roofs. The Ministry of Education is going to update the media in more details. Reports from a pastors in a few Parishes’ Ministers Fraternal have stated that the churches have been badly damaged and two historic sites in St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland have been partially destroyed. We are still waiting for more details from the churches in this regard.
WATER, ELECTRICITY & INTERNET
The National Water Commission is reporting minimal damage to their plants. They are, however, challenged with lack of electricity and turbidity.
JPS reports that 68-70% of their customers are without electricity, especially in the parishes mostly affected. Their crew is working to get back services in the urban centers, but repairs to rural system will be dependent on access.
The two main internet suppliers were seriously affected by the storm and are now being aided by Star Link to facilitate their customers.
*OTHER NEWS OF NOTE*
1. St. Mary experienced serious infrastructure damage with telephone and electricity. Many roadways are still impassable. Port Maria experienced flooding and severe damages to homes and roadways. Highgate, Annotto Bay, Gayle and other communities experienced similar damages to infrastructure and homes.
2. Mandeville suffered massive flooding throughout the town. Many homes experienced damage to their roofs.
3. Montego Bay is badly affected. Many of the hotels have suffered greatly, with reports stating that one hotel will have to be rebuilt based on the nature of their damage. A few homes were destroyed and have lost roofs.
4. St. Elizabeth is declared a Disaster Zone with extensive loss. There are even roadways with 11 ft erosion due to the water gushing through the streets.
5. Parts of St. Thomas is still flooded and residents are asked to avoid these flooded areas. Especially in and around Morant Bay and Danvers pen.
In all this we want to give God thanks!
_*“The earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas, And established it upon the waters”*_ – Psalm 24;1-2!
