Melissa was the strongest storm ever for the Caribbean island. Floods and landslides have destroyed buildings, roads and bridges. Southwestern Jamaica was hit hardest, with winds of up to 300 km/h and a tidal wave of four meters.
The solidarity is now at least as great, Vlaminck emphasizes. “We are really going to have to roll up our sleeves. We will have to work together and ensure that we can provide assistance to the south and west. I hope it is only material damage.”