FALMOUTH, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Trelawny Parish, east of Montego Bay, is one of the island’s hardest hit but least assessed areas.
In the capital town of Falmouth, a waterfront hospital pummeled by Hurricane Melissa is in desperate need of critical medical supplies.
Parts of the roof have been ripped off and patient rooms have been left in disarray as staff in place are still trying to treat patients.
Local residents directed members of Savage Freedoms Operations and Project Dynamo to the area to asses needs, to develop a re-supply plan and ensure incoming aid is strategically collected and dispersed.
“We can’t rebuild Jamaica, but what we can do is help provide those medical supplies so they can start treating their medical emergencies,” said Adam Smith, founder of Savage Freedoms Operations.
It has been very difficult for relief groups to access some of the hardest hit areas as some roads are only just being cleared for the first time, days after Hurricane Melissa battered the area.
Local residents directed members of Savage Freedoms Operations and Project Dynamo to the hospital late this week to assess needs and coordinate resupply.
The groups said they plan to support the hospital with incoming shipments of medical supplies, water and hygiene equipment.
“We have a large load coming in tomorrow on a 737 from the Jack Brewer Foundation, and then another large load the next day,” said Smith.
Smith said while the organizations are not working to rebuild storm-damaged infrastructure, they can help stabilize medical care.
Compounding the crisis are growing concerns about cholera and other waterborne illnesses. With municipal water systems damaged, some residents have been bathing, washing clothing and collecting water from rivers downstream of wrecked vehicles, dead animals and debris.
“Cholera, waterborne illnesses — they’re going to be a huge problem here,” Smith said. “We’re also shifting into dengue fever season, and the doctors are concerned about their ability to treat those cases.”
Local civic leader Peter Whyte urged outside supporters to step in.
“Jamaica is in serious trouble,” Whyte said. “If you can help, come and help. We need help.”
Access remains one of the biggest challenges.
Aid crews said the primary road into Falmouth was only cleared on Tuesday — days after the storm — delaying both assessment and relief.
A refrigerator lodged in a roadside ditch and a river still rushing through the living room of a nearby home serve as reminders of the storm’s force and the long recovery ahead.
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