Nineteen people have been confirmed dead in Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island as a Category 5 hurricane earlier this week. Officials anticipate that the death toll may increase as more reports of fatalities emerge.

Dana Morris Dixon, the Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, stated, "We are at 19 confirmed, but we do expect that that number will change today." She noted that there are credible reports of additional fatalities, but these will not be included in the official count until the bodies are recovered.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall on Tuesday, unleashing torrential rain and strong winds across Jamaica. This storm is recorded as one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit the Atlantic basin.

In response to the disaster, thirteen cargo relief flights arrived at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston on Thursday, with more than 20 additional flights expected on Friday. Daryl Vaz, the Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, mentioned that eight to ten U.S. government helicopters capable of airlifting patients are also en route to assist in recovery efforts.

Vaz expressed gratitude for the international support, saying, "The relief and the support we have gotten is overwhelming. And we thank our partners all across the world."

As recovery efforts begin, many residents are still facing challenges. The Jamaica Public Service, the country's electric utility, reported that approximately 462,000 customers, or about 66% of the total, were without power as of Friday morning. The situation remains critical as the island works to restore services and support those affected by the hurricane.