KINGSTON, Jamaica – The official death toll from Hurricane Melissa remains at 19, but the number is expected to change as recovery efforts continue across the island, according to Information Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon.

Morris Dixon provided the update during a media briefing on Friday, noting that the Government is still in the process of locating and recovering missing persons.

“When the number changes, I will let you know,” she said. “These are Jamaicans, and it is so devastating to know they have lost their lives.

“Every single life that is lost is a huge tragedy. I know these numbers are distressing, but know that we are doing our best to retrieve the bodies and provide support to those families that need it,” the information minister added.

According to the Morris Dixon, eight bodies have been recovered in St Elizabeth, nine in Westmoreland, and two in St James.

Reports also indicate that five more bodies may still be in Westmoreland, but recovery operations are ongoing.

Search and rescue teams, supported by the Jamaica Defence Force and other emergency responders, continue to comb through flood-affected and landslide-prone areas in the western parishes.

Morris Dixon expressed condolences to the families of those who have died and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to providing assistance to affected communities.