UN 
(SDGTALKING) – Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm at the beginning of the week, caused flooding in Haiti; at least 50 people lost their lives across the region, and hundreds of thousands of homes were left without power. The storm has now dissipated and moved northeast.
The Caribbean turned its attention to Melissa this week. The hurricane, which struck Jamaica at the start of the week with record Category 5 strength, turned into flooding in Haiti with days of heavy rain; the region experienced widespread destruction and loss of life. According to officials, at least 50 people have died. Melissa made landfall in Jamaica during the week as a Category 5 storm (185 mph), the strongest on record for the island. It then affected eastern Cuba and headed north off the Bahamas and Bermuda. As of today, the system has dissipated and become post-tropical.
Jamaica: “The images are catastrophic”
The southwestern region of Jamaica was particularly hard hit. The Prime Minister highlighted the extent of the destruction, saying that “communities no longer look the same.” At least 19 deaths have been confirmed in the country; more than 462,000 subscribers are without electricity. Flights have resumed at the international airport in Kingston.
Haiti: Rising death toll due to flooding
Although Haiti was not directly hit, it suffered the heaviest loss of life due to days of torrential rain. According to official statements, at least 31 deaths and numerous missing persons have been reported; the floods were particularly devastating around Petit-Goave. Health authorities are warning of the risk of epidemics due to water contamination.
Cuba and the Bahamas: Mass evacuation, limited casualties
Approximately 735,000 people were evacuated in Cuba as the storm approached; no casualties were reported initially. Thousands were also evacuated in the Bahamas. Images of infrastructure damage and debris in coastal areas were shared.
Bermuda and Northward Movement
As Melissa passed near Bermuda, the island experienced tropical storm conditions; schools and ferry services were temporarily suspended. The system then weakened and moved northeast.
Latest situation and figures
- Fatalities: At least 50 (Haiti 31+, Jamaica 19).
- Power outages: More than 462,000 subscribers in Jamaica are in the dark.
- Evacuations: 735,000 people in Cuba have been taken to safe areas.
Aid and recovery
Aid flights to Jamaica have resumed; the United Kingdom and regional countries are providing humanitarian support. Military and civilian teams across the region have been mobilized for search and rescue, debris removal, and repair of energy infrastructure. Experts link the storm’s historic intensity to rising sea surface temperatures.
What are the experts saying?
Meteorologists note that Melissa was recorded as the “strongest landfall on record” in Jamaica, with sea temperatures and humidity rapidly intensifying the storm. Satellite and drone images reveal the scale of the destruction, particularly around St. Elizabeth and Montego Bay.
