Hurricane Melissa Leaves Trail of Destruction and Death Across the Caribbean

Thu Oct 30 2025 14:31:17 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Hurricane Melissa wreaks havoc in the Caribbean, causing extensive damage and claiming dozens of lives, particularly in Jamaica and Haiti, as communities scramble for relief.

Hurricane Melissa has struck the Caribbean with a devastating impact, leading to at least 25 fatalities across Jamaica and Haiti. The storm, initially a category five, severely damaged infrastructure, leaving thousands without power and forcing many to flee to shelters. Photos and accounts reveal extensive damage, as officials and residents respond to the crisis amidst calls for assistance and recovery efforts.

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, said in a statement that he is deeply concerned and profoundly saddened at the damage caused by Melissa in Jamaica and across the Caribbean.

From Jamaica, where the storm also caused mudslides and tossed palm trees, Melissa moved north to Cuba as a category three storm, bringing 115 mph winds and heavy rain, battering the south-east of the island. President Miguel Díaz-Canel issued warnings to residents to remain cautious.

In Haiti, at least 20 people - including 10 children - died in river floods. Catastrophic flash flooding and landslides have prompted the evacuation of about 3,000 people to shelters.

The U.S. has dispatched a disaster response team to Jamaica to assess needs in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, with additional requests for assistance arising from Haiti and the Bahamas as the storm progresses up the coast.

Melissa is not expected to make landfall in North America but will continue to pose risks as it approaches Newfoundland, Canada.