Two weeks after Hurricane Melissa wrecked western Jamaica, officials are beginning to grapple with the challenge of trying to find housing for thousands of families.

The devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in Black River, Jamaica, reflects the broader destruction and rebuilding facing many Jamaican communities.

The authorities have yet to reach dozens of areas in Jamaica, raising the question of how many people really died in last week’s storm.

© Erin Schaff/The New York Times

The Category 5 storm ravaged western Jamaica and drenched the small community of New River, where residents were coping with a massive clean up. At least 19 people have died nationwide, officials said.

© Odelyn Joseph/Associated Press

A fast-developing storm was expected to bring “unprecedented” amounts of rain to several countries, meteorologists said.

© Octavio Jones/Reuters