KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government says the official death toll from Hurricane Melissa has increased to 32.

Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon, said another eight unconfirmed deaths are being investigated by members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).

She was speaking during a special media briefing on Hurricane Melissa recovery at Jamaica House in Kingston, on Monday, November 3.

“We do expect that number to increase,” the minister said, while noting that the increasing number of deaths is “really very painful”.

“I know so many families are feeling that pain… every additional person added to that list I know we all feel it and we feel it deeply. We’ll keep giving you the latest numbers, and just know that we are praying for all these families. It’s not an easy time for them,” Dr Morris Dixon added.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in western Jamaica on Tuesday, October 28, leaving behind a trail of devastation in its wake.

The JDF and JCF have both deployed helicopters to recover bodies of victims who lost their lives due to the passage of the hurricane.

— JIS