The Caribbean reels from one of its strongest storms, and relief efforts are slowed by impassable roads and disrupted infrastructure

At least 19 people have died in Jamaica as a result of Hurricane Melissa, Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon says, as search and rescue efforts continue and authorities try to get aid to hard-hit areas. The hurricane, one of the most powerful to strike the Caribbean, also killed at least 30 people in Haiti, officials say.

Local civic leaders urged Long Islanders to utilize the official Jamaican government website to donate funds for hurricane relief.

Janet Silvera has family in Philadelphia and is trying to keep them informed as she shelters in a resort in Montego Bay.

Follow the latest news headlines from Australia's most trusted source. Read in-depth expert analysis and watch live coverage on ABC News.

Death toll rises after trail of destruction disrupts aid efforts in Jamaica - Bermuda closed down its schools and ferries ahead of the storm’s impact on Thursday night

Multiple Christian charity organizations are gearing up to deploy resources to Jamaica as the Caribbean island country faces the wrath of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that made landfall on

Besco Shippers in West Philadelphia is collecting essential items to help those suffering in Jamaica due to Hurricane Melissa.