A personal reflection from UNDP's Ron Jackson, Team Lead, Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery,  on the immense challenge and opportunity following Hurricane Melissa.

As a Disaster Risk expert and as a Jamaican, the images of devastation left by Hurricane Melissa—the first Category 5 hurricane to make landfall on this island—are not abstract news for me. 

The scale of the action required is now becoming terrifyingly clear. New satellite analysis from the Government of Jamaica and UNDP has painted a stark picture of the aftermath. A comprehensive assessment of over 960,000 buildings reveals that nearly 200,000 have been damaged or destroyed. The human impact behind these numbers is immense—shattered homes, crippled schools, and lost livelihoods.

Perhaps the most staggering figure is the volume of debris left in the hurricane’s wake. UNDP estimates over 4.8 million tonnes of rubble—the equivalent of nearly 480,000 truckloads—littering western Jamaica. This isn't just broken concrete and twisted metal; it's the shattered remains of personal property, downed trees from once-lush landscapes, and the physical evidence of a stalled economy.

Preliminary government estimates suggest damage costs of US$6–7 billion, a sum equivalent to a third of Jamaica’s entire GDP. These numbers are more than statistics. They are a data-driven snapshot of a national emergency, and they provide the blueprint for Jamaica’s recovery.

The Jamaican government has acted swiftly, clearing major routes to allow life-saving aid to flow. But the next phase—managing millions of tonnes of debris—is not just a logistical challenge; it's an opportunity.

We have a chance to go beyond simply clearing the streets. This is an opportunity to embed circular economy principles, turning debris into resources. It’s a chance to create short-term income for those who have lost their livelihoods, linking the hard work of cleanup to the vital goal of community renewal.

Guided by the government’s priorities, UNDP is focusing its early recovery efforts on four critical areas: strategic debris management, stabilizing small businesses and livelihoods, restoring solar power to critical services, and ensuring risk-informed rebuilding that includes ecosystem restoration.

This work is built on a foundation of trust and a proven track record. UNDP has partnered with Jamaica for over half a century, and has successfully implemented models for cash-for-work and recovery planning across the Caribbean. 

The road ahead is undoubtedly long and difficult. Jamaicans have proven time and again that they can rise stronger after every storm. UNDP will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Jamaica to turn this profound crisis into a catalyst for resilience, recovery, and renewal.