BLACK RIVER, Jamaica — The road from Jamaica’s capital to the seaside town of Black River was known for its lush bamboo forest that formed a natural tunnel and glowed green in the bright sun.

What You Need To Know

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in southwest Jamaica this week near the coastal town of Black River, which the government has described as “ground zero”

Nearly 90% of roofs were destroyed as the Category 5 storm snapped power lines and toppled concrete structures

Hunger is growing as people in Black River and beyond scramble for relief among the ruins

Helicopters are hovering over isolated communities and dropping food as crews rush to reopen roads

But its famed bamboo stalks lay strewn and shredded across the road in Hurricane Melissa’s aftermath Thursday, forcing Jamaican

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