Nearly 1,300 Still in Shelters as Gov’t Plans Large-Scale Relocation

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government has officially begun decommissioning hurricane shelters across the island, moving to relocate the nearly 1,300 Jamaicans who remain in 97 active facilities weeks after Hurricane Melissa’s devastating strike.

With most shelters operating inside schools, officials say the transition is urgent as the education system prepares for reopening in January. Social workers and assessment teams from multiple ministries have been deployed to evaluate each household and create relocation plans tailored to individual needs.

Authorities are pushing to move the majority of occupants into safer long-term options. The process is being handled in phases, with emphasis on ensuring dignity, stability, and adequate support for affected families.

The Government is also revisiting its approach to national shelter infrastructure, acknowledging the need for purpose-built facilities capable of withstanding future disasters.

Hurricane Melissa left behind massive destruction, damaging nearly 156,000 homes — including 24,000 total losses — and impacting close to 900,000 Jamaicans. The Category 5 monster storm caused an estimated US$8 billion in physical damage, marking one of Jamaica’s most costly natural disasters in history.