By Pam Knox
Now that Hurricane Melissa has moved out of the region, farmers there are starting to assess the incredible losses that they are experiencing from the devastating storm. I have not seen many actual numbers yet because it takes time to do a complete assessment of the losses, as we know from our own experiences with storms like Michael and Helene.
However, initial stories on social media indicate that many farms have been completely wiped out, a tragic loss in an area where farmers rely on a single crop to provide their yearly income. I have noticed a number of comments on Facebook about loss of food for bees and the need to supplement their food if they are to survive the loss of their nutrition supplies and be available to pollinate future crops.
Some of the initial thoughts on the damage to agriculture, especially in western Jamaica where Melissa passed directly over the region with winds of up to 160 mph and torrential rains.
Source : uga.edu