Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms to hit the Caribbean, has left a trail of destruction across multiple nations, with the death toll rising to at least 49. In Jamaica, 19 fatalities have been confirmed, while Haiti reports 30 deaths. Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon described ‘devastating’ scenes in western Jamaica, with entire communities marooned and areas flattened. Satellite imagery reveals near-total destruction in some villages, with residents expressing the indescribable impact of the storm. Electricity remains out across most of Jamaica, and thousands are desperate for aid as they salvage belongings from floodwaters and mud. Food and water shortages are worsening, with some areas without water for days. Aid supplies are arriving more rapidly through Kingston’s main airport, but smaller regional airports remain partially operational, hindering access to the hardest-hit areas. In Haiti, many victims perished when a river overflowed in Petit-Goave, and assessments are ongoing in inaccessible regions. Over 15,000 Haitians are sheltering in more than 120 facilities. In Cuba, 3 million people faced life-threatening conditions, with 735,000 evacuated safely. No fatalities have been reported in Cuba, but flooding and landslides have isolated nearly 240 communities. The US, UK, and international organizations are mobilizing support, including disaster response teams, emergency supplies, and funding. Bermuda is bracing for Melissa’s impact, with government offices and schools closed as the storm approaches.
Hurricane Melissa death toll rises as aid struggles to reach parts of Jamaica
