"This is a frightening situation for Jamaica," the country's Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change tells the BBC World Service's Newsday programme.

Hurricane Melissa left dozens dead and widespread destruction across Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica, where roofless homes, toppled utility poles and water-logged furniture dominated the landscape Wednesday.

At least 25 people have died in Petit-Goâve, Haiti, after a river flooded by Melissa burst its banks, the local mayor said.