“We did, in fact, get probably the worst storm that Jamaica has ever experienced in history.”
– Dr. Nicole Dawkins Wright, Director – Emergency Disaster Management & Special Services (MoHW)
2025-11-04 Situation update – Kingston, Jamaica.
The two CMAT clinicians deployed alongside Burnaby Urban Search & Rescue (with K9) continue to assess the hardest-hit southwest part of Jamaica, where Black River and surrounding communities suffered extensive damage, including near-total loss of the local hospital as a result of Hurricane Melissa.
At today’s UN Health Cluster meeting, the Jamaican Ministry of Health & Wellness emphasized that the disaster response remains government-led, with all partners coordinating efforts through the Health Cluster and the WHO/PAHO Emergency Medical Teams system. This includes expediting professional practice licenses for volunteer organizations through Jamaican regulatory bodies.
Ministry priorities are restoring essential health services and providing life-saving care. Several hospitals in the western parishes sustained severe structural damage. As the Chief Medical Officer noted, “about 80% of the roof was lost” at Falmouth Hospital, and at Cornwall Regional, “we are down by 50% of our capacity… we really do need about 200 beds.” Black River Hospital required a full evacuation, and field hospital support is now underway.
“The windows are blown out. Doors are gone. Water has come in and has damaged all the equipment… it renders it useless.” (on primary care sites)
– Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor- McKenzie, Chief Medical Officer
Primary care centres in the country are widely damaged, and public health needs are significant, including medical waste management, shelter support, vector control, and mental health/psychosocial services for communities and staff. Emergency Medical Team deployments will focus on Type 1 mobile teams to support shelters, access remote areas and decompress overwhelmed emergency departments and Type 2 field hospitals for surgical/inpatient capacity.
“Our health-care workers are also victims… they have lost their roof, their possessions, and yet they still show up for work.”
– Mr. Michael William – Director Environmental Health.
CMAT has submitted an updated Primary Health Care capability offer of assistance through the EMT Coordination Cell (CICOM in Spanish) and awaits potential tasking from the Ministry of Health regarding priority location and clinical skill needs.
Fundraising:
To support this response, CMAT is launching an urgent fundraising appeal with a goal of $50,000. These funds will go directly toward a response in Jamaica’s hardest-hit communities. Every contribution – large or small – helps to deliver care where it is needed most. Donations can be made securely online through CanadaHelps by clicking here, or by sending a PayPal or Interac e-transfer to [email protected](Please put your name and address in the memo box).
CMAT thanks you for your support as we support Jamaica in their greatest time of need.
