In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, members of the Los Angeles County Fire Department are en route to assist in recovery efforts. The hurricane has claimed at least 19 lives and left hundreds of thousands without electricity.
The storm delivered a direct and catastrophic hit, tearing off roofs, obliterating roads, and destroying critical infrastructure. Hurricane Melissa ranks among the most powerful storms ever to make landfall in the Atlantic Basin.
The U.S. State Department deployed the elite search and rescue team, USA-2, to aid Jamaica. The team, consisting of 34 members and four search dogs, departed from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Thursday night and was scheduled to arrive Friday morning, carrying 42,000 pounds of specialized equipment.
Fire Chief Anthony Marrone emphasized the team’s readiness for extreme conditions. “Their exceptional skills and expertise make them the best of the best,” Marrone said.
The Los Angeles team will be joined by the Fairfax County (Virginia) Fire Department’s international USAR team, USA-1, which is also deployed to the island. Both teams are expected to remain in Jamaica for approximately two weeks.
Hurricane Melissa, with winds reaching 185 mph, struck New Hope on Jamaica’s southwestern coast on Tuesday, leaving widespread destruction and a trail of fatalities.
Eyewitnesses described harrowing experiences. Lois Threats, who traveled to Jamaica for a wedding with her family, recounted being stranded in a heavily damaged hotel. “We went from a joyous celebration to wondering if we would survive this,” she said. Her daughter, Daphne Barnes, added that they had no access to water or electricity.
