Hurricane Beryl, a powerful Category 4 storm, struck Jamaica on Wednesday, July 03, 2024, leaving a trail of destruction that has significantly impacted the Jamaican people, the island’s infrastructure and our economy. With strong winds and heavy rainfall, the hurricane caused widespread flooding and wind damage across several parishes. All parishes were adversely affected by the hurricane. Severe damage to infrastructure and housing is, however, concentrated across the southern coast of the island. Clarendon and St Elizabeth were severely devastated by Hurricane Beryl. Preliminary reports indicate that thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed, displacing many residents and rendering many Jamaicans homeless. Additionally, crucial public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and power lines sustained extensive damage, disrupting transportation and the delivery of critical utility services.

Thousands of Jamaicans remain without a reliable source of electricity and approximately 70% of consumers of water were affected by the hurricane system. The economic impact of Hurricane Beryl was therefore very profound. The agricultural sector in particular faces substantial losses due to crop destruction. The total estimated economic losses are still being assessed.

The Government of Jamaica has launched an extensive recovery and relief effort managed by the Hurricane Beryl Relief Coordination Committee that is chaired by Prime Minister Holness. This Committee is comprised of representatives from the relevant government relief agencies and the private sector. Our goal is to address the immediate needs of those who have been displaced and to begin the long-term rebuilding process. We cannot rebuild without your kind assistance.