Much of Jamaica without power or phone service as Hurricane Melissa hits Cuba

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https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cvgvexdjp1xt

((BBC live thread))

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aica facing 'difficult' and 'unstable' situation, officials say
published at 10:58
10:58
We're listening to officials giving a briefing on the developing situation in Jamaica now.
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Thompson confirms a tropical storm warning, which had remained in place overnight, has now been lifted for Jamaica but warns that the country is still in an "unstable situation".

The edge of the weather system could continue to bring heavy rain and strong winds to parts of Jamaica as the day wears on, he says.

10:47
We're now getting an update from Jamaican authorities on how things look this morning, after Hurricane Melissa - the strongest storm to hit the country - made landfall on Tuesday.

We'll be hearing from Evan Thompson, director of Jamaica's National Meteorological Service, local government minister Desmond Mckenzie and Richard Thompson, acting general of Jamaica's Office of Disaster Preparedness.
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[nitpicked]

1. More from the news conference

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No confirmed reports of deaths so far - minister
11:14
Desmond McKenzie, a local government minister, says there have been no official reports of fatalities so far.

He says the government "cannot presume" there have been deaths and there will be no official statement until the situation becomes clearer.

The press conference has ended, but stick with us as we bring you some more key lines.



Western Jamaica has seen 'significant damage'
11:13
Dr Dana Morris Dixon now turns to the impact of the hurricane on schools.

She says they are still getting assessments through from schools on how they have been affected, adding they know there is “significant damage” in western Jamaica.

She says their goal is to open certain government ministries as soon as they can so they can deliver essential services.

It is important to get places like Kingston, where there was “minimal damage”, back up and running, she adds.
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[Johonny]

2. A real president might send in the national guard