Jamaica Receives $6.7 Billion for Post-Hurricane Recovery

Jamaica has successfully secured up to $6.7 billion from international agencies to support reconstruction and recovery over the next three years following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025.

Melissa, one of the strongest storms to ever strike the Caribbean, unleashed catastrophic flooding, landslides, and wind damage, dropping nearly 76cm (30 inches) of rain across the island. The total damage from the storm is estimated at $10 billion, equivalent to roughly 30 percent of Jamaica’s GDP, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

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Major Contributions from Global Financial Institutions

The financial support package comes from leading international development institutions, including:

• CAF-Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean
• International Monetary Fund (IMF)
• World Bank
• Caribbean Development Bank
• Inter-American Development Bank Group (IDB)

Of the total $6.7 billion, $3.6 billion will be provided as government financing, with the largest individual contributions of up to $1 billion each from the CAF-Development Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the World Bank.

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Focus on Resilient Reconstruction

Officials emphasized that the recovery plan will focus not only on rebuilding what was lost but also on strengthening Jamaica’s resilience against future disasters. According to a joint statement by the funding institutions:

“Recovery will require significant resources and long-term investments. Comprehensive recovery planning is already underway, focusing on critical priorities and reinforcing Jamaica’s resilience.”

The plan combines robust financial instruments, technical guidance, and global expertise, aiming to restore infrastructure, homes, and public services while enhancing climate resilience across the island.

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Hurricane Melissa: Impact and Aftermath

Hurricane Melissa caused widespread devastation, marking the strongest storm to hit Jamaica in over 170 years. The storm displaced infrastructure, blocked roads with nearly five million tonnes of debris, and disrupted access to essential services.

The official death toll a week after the hurricane was reported at 32 people, with thousands more affected by flooding and landslides. The scale of the disaster highlights the urgent need for long-term reconstruction and disaster preparedness.

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International Support for Jamaica’s Resilient Future

Global financial partners have pledged continued support and technical guidance to ensure that reconstruction efforts are efficient, sustainable, and forward-looking. The emphasis on building back better reflects a commitment to making Jamaica more resilient to future hurricanes, climate change impacts, and natural disasters.

Officials stress that the recovery effort will not only restore damaged infrastructure and livelihoods but also strengthen Jamaica’s capacity to withstand similar disasters in the future.