‘SHOCKING’: Jamaica UNRECOGNIZABLE a week after Hurricane Melissa

Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica

On October 28, Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, made landfall near Montego Bay, wreaking havoc across Jamaica. With winds reaching 185 mph, it caused extensive damage, uprooting trees, and flattening neighborhoods. Thousands of homes were destroyed, and many communities found themselves without power and running water. The flooding was severe, and aerial footage painted a dire picture of the devastation. Currently, the death toll stands at 28, but it’s likely to rise as rescue operations continue.

A nonprofit organization called Mercury One, founded by Glenn Beck, is on the ground helping with relief efforts in multiple areas across the island.

In a recent episode of the “Glenn Beck Program,” Beck spoke to Jack Brewer, who leads the Jack Brewer Foundation and collaborates with Mercury One, about the destruction he has seen firsthand in Jamaica.

Brewer, with two decades of experience dealing with disaster relief, mentioned that Hurricane Melissa might be “one of the worst hurricanes” he has ever encountered. He described scenes where entire houses were leveled, leaving only foundations. “The entire western side of Jamaica is without running water and electricity. The electrical infrastructure is really old; you can see wires tangled in the trees,” he said.

He pointed out that Jamaica’s rough, mountainous terrain has slowed down the efforts of relief organizations trying to reach those affected by the storm.

This shortage of resources has led to instances of chaos; Brewer noted people grouping together to collect water, washing clothes in saltwater, and even fights breaking out at gas stations as individuals desperately seek fuel.

One particularly heart-wrenching aspect of the situation is that many people are unable to locate their families due to downed utility poles, flooded substations, and uprooted trees obstructing pathways.

In a somber moment during his visit, Brewer remarked, “While I was there, they just found six more bodies in the area. They asked us for the body of a dog and if we could help them.” He added that they are not seeing much help coming their way.

“We traveled village to village, town to town, and no aid organizations were present,” he explained, attributing some of the delays to the constant rain.

With homes and shelters devastated and water levels rising, many Jamaicans are now forced to sleep outdoors, facing additional threats from waterborne diseases and mosquitoes.

For the time being, relief groups can only offer temporary solutions, like providing tents and insect repellent.

Glenn Beck recalled the devastation caused by Hurricane Helen in North Carolina back in September 2024, asking Brewer for a comparison. Brewer responded, “There’s no question. The issue is that North Carolina has insurance, helicopters, and support from fellow Americans, while Jamaica doesn’t have that luxury. Many were already living in poverty.”

Yet despite the overwhelming loss, Brewer noted there remains a sense of joy among some of the affected. “The love of God, gratitude, the smiles, and the worship I saw in some towns were encouraging,” he reflected. “It was heartbreaking to witness people who lost everything but still expressed gratitude for another day, saying, ‘We’ve still got our lives and our children.’”