The authorities in Jamaica said on Tuesday that they had received initial reports of devastating damage to infrastructure wrought by Hurricane Melissa, which disabled communications, electricity and one of the country’s major airports.
Eastern parts of the island, including the capital, Kingston, were mostly undamaged by the storm’s strong winds and heavy rains, Energy and Transport Minister Daryl Vaz said.
“We’re hoping to be able to do an assessment tomorrow, but as of right now, the reports that are coming in are catastrophic,” Mr. Vaz said in an interview with Sky News on Tuesday. “Not very much survives a Category 5 hurricane, in terms of infrastructure.”
Photos and videos posted on social media showed damaged cars and debris from roofs blown off by Hurricane Melissa’s sustained winds of 185 m.p.h., which were stronger than the winds recorded at the height of Hurricane Katrina 20 years ago.
The winds knocked down power and telecommunications lines, reducing internet connectivity in Jamaica to 30 percent of ordinary levels, according to Netblocks, which tracks network data.
Norman Manley International Airport, which serves Kingston, will probably be able to receive emergency relief flights as soon as Thursday, Mr. Vaz said in a news briefing on Tuesday.
But Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, on the north side of the island, may have suffered “potential disabling impact,” he said, without providing details. The airports are central to the economy of the nation of two million, which depends on tourism for a third of its annual revenue. Many vacationers have been stranded in Jamaica since airports were closed in the days leading up to the storm.
The authorities are considering using the smaller Ian Fleming International Airport, east of Montego Bay, to bring in relief goods bound for the north, Mr. Vaz added.
Three bridges were flooded and several roads were impassable, according to the National Works Agency. More than 51,000 people were without electricity, mostly in the western and central regions, Mr. Vaz said in a briefing on Tuesday.
Starlink, the satellite internet provider owned by Elon Musk, will provide free service in Jamaica until November, Mr. Vaz said.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared a disaster on the island on Tuesday. At least three people died during preparations for the hurricane’s arrival, but so far, the authorities have not confirmed any additional casualties.
Francesca Regalado is a Times reporter covering breaking news.
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