More Than The Score – Asafa Powell on Hurricane Melissa’s aftermath in Jamaica

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Hurricane Melissa – one of the strongest to ever hit the Caribbean – made landfall in Jamaica on 28 October. At its peak, it sustained winds of 298 kph, resulting in dozens of deaths across the region. It brought powerful winds and landslides to Cuba and Haiti.

Jamaica was among the islands worst affected. The country’s authorities say the hurricane killed 45 people, and the World Bank estimates that it caused more than $8 billion of damage on the island.

Several of the country’s most famous sporting names have been working as part of recovery efforts across the country. The BBC’s Anne Soy speaks to former 100m world record holder Asafa Powell, who says he’s been shocked by what he’s witnessed. He explains why the level of destruction was something he never expected to see on the island, and talks about the work he and other athletes, including Noah Lyles, have been doing to help people and communities rebuild in the aftermath. He also share his thoughts on what more needs to be done.

We’re also joined from Kingston by journalist Kayon Raynor, who says parts of the island look as though a bomb was dropped on them. He talks about why, more than six weeks later, many people are still trying to get access to basic utilities. He also explains how famous names, including Usain Bolt and Shelley-Ann Fraser Pryce, have helped contribute to recovery efforts.

More than the Score is the BBC World Service’s daily podcast exploring stories from all over the world of sport. Every Monday to Friday, we’re telling stories beyond the scoreline, from athletics to Formula 1, boxing to bobsleigh, and football to the NFL. We’ve got interviews with extraordinary athletes like pole vault titan Mondo Duplantis, boxing royalty Cecilia Braekhus and tennis legend Boris Becker, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from top football scouts to physios who keep NBA stars in peak condition. Plus, we’ve got the expertise of the BBC’s top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels.

And if you’ve got your own take on the stories we cover, we’d love to hear from you. Email morethanthescore@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore

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