King Charles ‘Profoundly Saddened’ as Drone Footage Shows Hurricane Melissa’s Widespread Destruction in Jamaica
King Charles has voiced deep sorrow over the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. He described the storm as a painful reminder of the urgent need to protect the planet.
In a heartfelt statement, the monarch said he was “deeply concerned”. He was also “profoundly saddened” by the destruction. He extended his sympathy to all those affected. He praised the “courageous” emergency services, volunteers, and frontline workers who have been working tirelessly amid the crisis.
King Charles called the record-breaking storm a warning of the increasing impact of climate change. He emphasised the need to restore harmony with nature. He also stressed safeguarding vulnerable communities.
Communities Rebuild as Floodwaters Recede
Across Jamaica, residents are starting to rebuild. Hurricane Melissa battered the island with violent winds. The hurricane also brought torrential rain.
In one small town, 14-year-old Alexander Medley found himself face-to-face with the storm’s fury. Water began rising inside his home. The teen quickly packed old clothes around windows and doors. He did this to block the flood from pouring in.
Despite some water damage, Alexander said he felt lucky compared to others whose homes suffered far worse.
“It’s something we’ll have to get used to if storms like this keep coming,” he said.
With the rain now easing, drone footage has begun to uncover the true scale of the hurricane’s impact.
Images from Alligator Pond, on Jamaica’s southern coast, show beaches blanketed with debris. There are uprooted trees and homes eroded by storm surges. In St Elizabeth, footage reveals a building stripped of its roof, surrounded by flood-soaked debris and fallen branches.
These visuals highlight the hurricane’s raw power as it swept through coastal communities, leaving widespread damage and displacing families.
The Path Ahead
Recovery efforts are now underway as crews restore electricity, clear roads, and deliver supplies to affected areas. Government officials have urged residents to stay cautious, warning that hurricane season is far from over.
King Charles is the head of state for Jamaica. He reaffirmed his solidarity with those affected. He said his thoughts stay with everyone rebuilding their lives after this tragic disaster.
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