'It has hit us hard': Montego Bay mayor outlines situation on the ground after Hurricane Melissa

Damage Assessment & Infrastructure - Extensive damage to private and public assets and infrastructure in Montego Bay [2] - Major roadways inundated by flood waters, causing communities to be marooned [2] - Power outage due to damage to the major supplier, JPS utilities [2] - Telecommunications down, with only about 30% of the island having access [2] - Airport badly damaged, leading to a potential lockdown for a few days [9] Response & Priorities - Priority is to ensure no casualties or loss of life [4] - Checking on shelters [4] - Clearing important roadways to ensure access to essential services and the hospital [5] - Connecting communities by clearing major roadways [5] - Assessing those who need immediate supply [5] Tourism Impact & Recovery - Hotels provided assistance to tourists, housing and feeding them [6][7] - Montego Bay Convention Center was minimally used, indicating tourists were well-managed by hotels [7][8] - Three tourists from an Airbnb needed shelter at the convention center [8] - Reopening of the airport is a concern, requiring information from MBJ [8] - Expecting a lockdown for a few days before effectively moving people around [9]