Good afternoon and welcome to your afternoon news update from AP. The historic seaport of Black River, Jamaica was hit especially hard by Hurricane Melissa; the Trump administration must fund SNAP payments during the shutdown, judges rule; and the U.N. human rights chief says U.S. strikes on alleged drug boats are "unacceptable".
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An aerial view of Black River, Jamaica, Thursday, in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix) |
Despair spreads across historic seaport in Jamaica that Hurricane Melissa demolished |
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in southwest Jamaica this week near the coastal town of Black River, which the government has described as "ground zero." Nearly 90% of roofs were destroyed as the Category 5 storm snapped power lines and toppled concrete structures. Hunger is growing as people in Black River and beyond scramble for relief among the ruins. Helicopters are hovering over isolated communities and dropping food as crews rush to reopen roads. At least 19 people were reported killed in Jamaica, including several in St. Elizabeth parish, where Black River is located. Read more. |
