In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a concerted effort is underway in Jamaica as rescue teams and aid workers traverse the island to bring much-needed food and water to communities still cut off days after the storm’s onslaught.

The delivery of crucial relief supplies is now reaching the hurricane-battered regions of St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland. These areas had been largely inaccessible due to debris from toppled concrete posts and fallen trees blocking major roadways.

In the more isolated parts of the island, residents resorted to drawing water from rivers, using buckets to collect the muddy liquid for daily needs. Meanwhile, some have relied on local resources, such as coconuts and roasted breadfruit, to sustain themselves.

Among those spearheading the relief efforts is Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr., who, along with several convoys of emergency responders, is delivering essential supplies. These include ready-to-eat meals, fresh water, tarpaulins, blankets, medicine, and other critical items.

Hurricane Melissa has wreaked havoc across Jamaica, leaving a trail of destruction that includes downed power lines, damaged buildings, disrupted supply chains for food and water, and ruined agricultural fields.

Some people have been walking for miles in search of basic goods and to check on loved ones, as more than 60% of the island remained without power. Helicopters have been dropping food in cut-off communities.

One of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes to make landfall, Melissa has been blamed for at least 19 deaths in Jamaica, and 31 in nearby Haiti.

Health Minister Christopher Tufton recognized that the death toll in Jamaica was probably higher as many places are still hard to access, but said that it would be unwise to speculate.

Tufton also warned about the risk of increased mosquitoes, waterborne diseases and food poisoning. “Please discard spoiled food,” he said.

Melissa made landfall in southwest Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 hurricane with top winds of 185 mph (295 kph).

A U.S. regional disaster assistance response team was on the ground after being activated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio earlier this week, the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica said.

“The United States stands with Jamaica as they respond to the impacts of the hurricane and remains prepared to swiftly deliver emergency relief items,” it said.

Jamaica’s Water and Environment Minister Matthew Samuda took to the social media platform X in a desperate bid to find tarpaulin after Melissa tore off scores of roofs on homes in western Jamaica. X users chimed in to help, indicating where they had seen supplies.

Falmouth, a popular fishing spot on Jamaica’s north coast, had suffered significant damage including flooding and flattened buildings, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said on Saturday.

“Our immediate priority is to restore electricity and telecommunications and to ensure that essential services, particularly at the Falmouth Hospital, are stabilized,” he said on X, adding that Jamaica would rebuild “stronger and wiser.”

Following the devastation, the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) said that it would make a record payout to Jamaica of $70.8 million.

The facility enables countries to pool their individual risks to provide affordable coverage against natural disasters. The payout will be made within 14 days, the group said on Friday.

Finance Minister Fayval Williams said Thursday that the CCRIF insurance policy was just one part of the government’s financial plan to respond to natural disasters. She pointed to a contingencies fund, a national natural disaster reserve and a catastrophe bond.

Government officials have said damage assessment is still ongoing.