Devastation from Hurricane Melissa Leaves Dozens Dead in the Caribbean

Thu Oct 30 2025 15:33:55 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Hurricane Melissa wreaks havoc across Jamaica and Haiti, resulting in confirmed fatalities and widespread destruction of infrastructure.

Hurricane Melissa has caused severe damage across the Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica and Haiti, resulting in at least 25 fatalities and widespread flooding. Homes, infrastructure, and utilities have been severely impacted, leading to urgent rescue and relief efforts. The storm's destruction is being described as total devastation.

Hurricane Melissa has continued its devastating sweep across the Caribbean, decimating homes and infrastructure, flooding neighborhoods and leaving dozens dead.

The impact in Jamaica was clearer on Wednesday, after the island nation was hit squarely by the category five storm - one of the most powerful hurricanes ever measured in the region. At least five people have been confirmed dead there.

At least another 20 died during flooding in Haiti as Melissa, now a category two storm, tore through the region.

In Jamaica, people remain stranded on roofs and without power. Prime Minister Andrew Holness noted the total devastation across the island-nation.

He added that 80-90% of roofs were destroyed, along with hospitals, libraries, police stations, port houses, and other urban infrastructure.

King Charles, who is the head of state in Jamaica, expressed deep concern over the damage caused by Melissa, highlighting the urgent need for environmental restoration.

The storm also caused mudslides and tossed palm trees like toothpicks, highlighting the extent of the destruction in Jamaica.

In Cuba, Hurricane Melissa, now a category three storm, brought winds up to 115 mph and heavy rains, causing additional damage.

As the storm moves toward the Bahamas, officials prepare for further action, while the emergency response teams aim to assess the scale of need in Jamaica and Haiti. The US is sending a disaster response team, marking a significant relief effort in the aftermath of this disaster.