HANOVER, Jamaica — A section of the Noel Holmes Hospital in Hanover has been damaged by the onslaught of Hurricane Melissa which slammed into the southwest of Jamaica before passing over the western end of the island on Tuesday.

During a Jamaica Observer visit to the parish, the roof of several departments was damaged. Among them were the maternity ward, the dietary department and the administrative block.

At the Type C public institution which is located on the coast of Fort Charlotte in Lucea on Wednesday, staff were seen working hard to carry out their respective duties, including preparing meals and caring for patients.

Staff were also seen sweeping out water and mopping the floor within the dietary department.

The nearby Hanover Health Department was not spared as the roof of the clinic was also damaged.

Sections of the Hanover Health Department in Hanover that lost its roof.

Meanwhile, there has been widespread damage to infrastructure in the parish with several buildings either completely or partially lost their roofs.

Several roads have been partially blocked by fallen trees and power lines.

Communication is another issue within the parish as most people are unable to make or receive calls or browse the internet from within the area. Some have reportedly travelled to the second city, Montego Bay, to utilise their mobile phone to communicate with others.

Vehicles parked at the side of the main road in Hopewell, Hanover as people try to pickup mobile signal to communicate with their loved ones.

Downed poles have also resulted in electricity outages.

There is also damage to a section of the Sandy Bay Main Road sea wall which has caused the sidewalk to cave in.
— Anthony Lewis