UPDATE: Hurricane Melissa has wreaked havoc in Treasure Beach, Jamaica, leaving rental property owner Jordan Senior facing devastating losses just before peak tourist season. His beloved Cashaw Cabin is currently submerged in floodwaters, marking a catastrophic setback for his livelihood.
Just hours after the storm passed, Senior shared his immediate concerns about the flooding, which has reached his knees around the cabin. “It looks like it’s been submerged in the sea,” he stated. This unprecedented flooding has immobilized his primary source of income, disrupting his business and personal finances.
Senior, 36, expressed deep frustration as he awaits the waters to recede. “The landscaping has been wiped clean,” he lamented. “I don’t think I will be in a position to reopen for at least a month and a half, maybe even January.” With his bookings canceled by Airbnb, he finds himself in a precarious financial situation.
Built in 2022 with an investment of $40,000, Cashaw Cabin has been a popular destination, fully booked from mid-November to May. It generated around $30,000 annually, an essential income stream for Senior, who also has a photography business.
The impact of Hurricane Melissa extends beyond flooding. Senior’s new two-bedroom villa, which was nearing completion, has suffered severe damage. “The roof is gone, and something hit the wall and smashed it up,” he explained. This new project, funded by his savings and a family investor, was set to launch shortly but now faces substantial delays and additional repair costs.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Airbnb announced it would provide free emergency housing for first responders affected by the hurricane. However, the cancellation of reservations leaves hosts like Senior without immediate support. “If you’re canceling bookings months after a storm, that doesn’t work out for us,” he remarked, emphasizing the plight of local hosts.
As the floodwaters begin to recede, Senior remains hopeful yet apprehensive about the future. “Physically, I’m okay. Mentally, I’m exhausted,” he admitted. The emotional toll of this natural disaster weighs heavily on him and his community, as residents come to terms with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.
With forecasts predicting further storms this season, local authorities are urging residents to prepare. Officials confirmed that this hurricane season has already brought unprecedented challenges, and the community is uniting to support one another during this difficult time.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops in Treasure Beach, and as the community rallies to recover from this devastating event.
