News
| Nov 4, 2025

Hurricane Melissa damage estimated at US$6 billion

Ainsworth Morris

Ainsworth Morris / Our Today

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Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, responds to a question during a press briefing at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC), located at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in Kingston, on Monday, October 27, 2025.

Dr. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister, says Hurricane Melissa is estimated to have cost between US$6 billion and US$7 billion in damages across Jamaica.

This is based on preliminary figures. Dr Holness was speaking at Parliament in Gordon House on Tuesday, November 4.

Holness stated that the estimated cost is equivalent to about 28 to 32 per cent of last year’s gross domestic product (GDP).

He said he believes the damage estimate is conservative and a more accurate figure is expected by next week.

Holness added that an 8 to 13 per cent decline in GDP is expected as a result of the devastation caused by the Category 5 storm.

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Andrew Holness estimate of Hurricane Melissa damage Hurricane Melissa Hurricane Melissa deaths

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