Subscribe for all my updates and don't miss a thing! Sign me up!
Hurricane Gilbert In Jamaica 1988 - Memories & Facts
by Wellesley
(Jamaica)
The Path Of Hurricane Gilbert In 1988
Hurricane Gilbert In Jamaica
Impact Of Hurricane Gilbert In Jamaica 1988
I was listening to our RJR this morning, one of the local radio stations in Jamaica and was reminded of the calamity brought on the island by the infamous Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, September 12.
I was a boy then but I remember the scare that night.
A number of us huddled in my grandma's (Mammy) house. Of course, there wasn't much sleep - we couldn't.
By the way, that was in the hills of Westmoreland where I grew up.
We could hear the powerful winds breaking branches, trees uprooting, and zinc sheets flying! Of course, there were all sorts of other terrifying sounds I can't explain.๐ฒ
It was also pear (avocado) season, so we could hear them falling like bullets throughout the night!
We survived though- to God be the Glory!
There were some leaks from the zinc roofing but nothing major.
Many of our community neighbours were not so lucky though, as some of their houses lost entire roofs - totally!
Other families had to rush to neighbors and hurricane shelters for refuge!
It was quite an experience I tell you! In the morning, you could smell the damage :-(
For the first time, we could see distances we never seen before- everywhere was just bare.
I remember we picked up over two drums/ barrels of pears that fell from the trees! Most of them were pretty fit too!
(We had a number of pear trees around the yard)
My dad loved pears; I remember him coming down (from Montego Bay) to check on the family a couple of days later; I watched him devour a number of the ripe ones - right there out of the drums :-)
Hurricane Gilbert has certainly left a lasting memory for those of us who were fortunate (or unfortunate) to experience it.
HERE ARE SOME INSIGHTFUL FACTS ABOUT HURRICANE GILBERT IN JAMAICA!
Gilbert was the first hurricane in 37 years to hit Jamaica directly then.
Gilbert was deemed to be the most destructive hurricane in the history of Jamaica and the most severe since Hurricane Charlie in 1951.
Damage was estimated to be over 4 billion Jamaican dollars
Forty-five persons died here in Jamaica
Over 90% of all health facilities suffered damage
Over 800,000, approximately, 30% of Jamaicans then, sought shelters (outside of their homes)
It took several months for water, electricity, and telephone services to be restored across Jamaica
A one-month State of Public Emergency was declared for St Thomas, St Catherine, and Kingston and St Andrew.
As a result of the extensive damage caused by Gilbert, the World Meteorological Organization retired the name in the spring of 1989; it was replaced with Gordon
The eye measured about 15 miles across. Wind speeds averaging 75 miles per hour (mph) gusting to 127 mph were recorded in the Kingston Metropolitan Area. As the eye exited western Jamaica at 6 p.m., it intensified further (888 millibars).
It was also the most intense hurricane ever observed in the Atlantic basin by that time.
In total, Hurricane Gilbert killed 433 people along its path (45 persons in Jamaica) and caused about $7.1 billion (1988 USD) in damages over the course.
New!: Hurricane Beryl also ravaged areas of Jamaica in July 2024, you can read more about it here.
Gilbert was my first hurricane. We had lots of pear trees and all the pears blew off. The roof of the nearby Pentecostal Church ended up in our yard near Brown's Town, St. Ann. It was quite an experience.
Sep 12, 2019 Rating
Gilbert Song by: Wellesley
By the way, I understand that this Gilbert song is still the most successful in terms of sales from Jamaica (Francois St Juste, RJR Radio, Sep 12 19)
You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise!
JAMAICA On A Budget is your passport to experiencing what I call 'The Real Jamaica' on a budget!
I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now!
See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!
My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers.
Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.
3 Bob Marley quotes about women, love, and relationships, that highlight his deep understanding of imperfection, authenticity and the beauty of human connection
NEW! JOIN MY PATREON COMMUNITY! Click Here For Details.
About The Author
A patriotic Jamaican who adores its culture, Wellesley has been using this medium to share what he calls 'the uniqueness of Jamaica with the world' since April 2007.
To date, he serves over 9,300 unique readers / viewers per day (and over 1.1millon page views monthly)
His
efforts have earned this site featured positions in local publications,
including the Jamaica Gleaner's Hospitality Jamaica, Carlong Publishers,
as well as recognition from numerous prestigious international agencies
and universities. Read more about him here.
He invites you to explore his books and subscribe to this site to stay updated on all the latest here on site. You are also welcome to check out his unique Jamaican products on his e-store.
If you are on social media, here are the links to follow his latest posts: