**Four Hospitals Damaged as Hurricane Melissa Batters Jamaica**

Kingston, Jamaica — Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, left a trail of destruction across Jamaica, with four major hospitals suffering significant damage as the powerful hurricane swept through the island. The affected hospitals—Kingston Public Hospital, Cornwall Regional Hospital, Mandeville Regional Hospital, and St. Ann’s Bay Hospital—are among the country’s largest medical facilities and serve thousands of residents.

According to the Ministry of Health, the hurricane’s 185 mph winds tore off sections of roofs, shattered windows, and caused flooding in emergency rooms and critical care units. At Kingston Public Hospital, the oldest and largest in the country, staff worked tirelessly to evacuate patients from flooded wards as water levels rose rapidly. Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay reported extensive damage to its power supply and water systems, forcing the temporary relocation of some patients to nearby clinics.

Mandeville Regional Hospital, serving central Jamaica, experienced structural damage to its pediatric and maternity wings, while St. Ann’s Bay Hospital on the north coast faced severe flooding and loss of medical equipment. Despite the challenges, hospital staff and emergency responders worked around the clock to ensure patient safety and continuity of care.

Health Minister Dr. Alicia Brown stated, “Our hospitals have been hit hard, but our teams are resilient. We are prioritizing repairs and mobilizing resources to restore full services as quickly as possible.” International aid organizations have begun delivering emergency medical supplies and equipment to support the recovery efforts.

The damage to these hospitals has placed additional strain on Jamaica’s healthcare system, already stretched by the hurricane’s widespread impact. Authorities are urging residents to seek medical attention at temporary clinics set up in less-affected areas while repairs are underway.

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