From the Conversation: No time to recover: Hurricane Melissa and the Caribbean’s compounding disaster trap as the storms keep coming

“Headlines have been filled with talk of the catastrophic power of Hurricane Melissa after the Category 5 storm devastated communities across Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti in October 2025. But to see this as a singular disaster misses the bigger picture: Melissa didn’t hit stable, resilient islands. It hit islands still rebuilding from the last hurricane.

Jamaica was still recovering from Hurricane Beryl, which sideswiped the island in July 2024 as a Category 4 storm. The parish of St. Elizabeth – known as Jamaica’s breadbasket – was devastated. The country’s Rural Agriculture Development Authority estimated that 45,000 farmers were affected by Beryl, with damage estimated at US$15.9 million.“

Thanks to Chris Jones for the citation.

Although not on the topic of recovery, here is an important opportunity.

From the National Academies of Science: Forum on Medical and Public Health Preparedness for Disasters and Emergencies

https://mailchi.mp/nationalacademies/call-for-experts-forum-on-medical-and-public-health-preparedness-for-disasters-and-emergencies?e=bf85197e14

“The National Academies is seeking suggestions for experts to be considered to fill 5 to 7 open seats on the Forum on Medical and Public Health Preparedness for Disasters and Emergencies. The forum fosters in-depth discussion and collaboration to examine barriers, identify research, explore innovative operational and policy solutions, and inspire action among diverse stakeholders in support of sustaining and advancing national health readiness and security. Additionally, staff are identifying potential speakers, participants, and other contributors for upcoming forum activities.”

From AP news: States sue Trump administration over restrictions put on FEMA emergency grants

“Eleven states and Kentucky’s governor are suing the Trump administration over what they call “unlawful terms” placed on federal funding critical to supporting local disaster and terrorism preparedness.

The predominantly Democratic-led states, which include Michigan, Oregon and Arizona, along with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear sued the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency on Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Eugene, Oregon.

The states oppose a dramatic cut to the amount of time they are given to spend emergency management and homeland security grants, as well as an unprecedented requirement that they submit population counts omitting people removed under immigration law in order to receive emergency management funds. They argue the measures “erect inappropriate barriers” to money for public safety and emergency response.”

Link to a film From the National Internet and TV Association: After the Storm:Reconnecting Communities

Film takes viewers behind-the-scenes as networks are rebuilt.

Watch how cable workers mobilize after disaster—navigating dangerous conditions, repairing damaged lines, and working side by side with utility crews to bring communities back online.