Caribbean Reeling from Hurricane Melissa’s Devastation as Death Toll Mounts
Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti among hardest hit as one of the Atlantic’s strongest hurricanes leaves trail of destruction across the region
Kingston, Oct 31 — Parts of the Caribbean are reeling from the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, which tore through the region this week, leaving widespread destruction, dozens dead, and thousands displaced.
The Category 5 hurricane, one of the most powerful Atlantic storms on record, made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, before weakening as it swept across Cuba and the Bahamas, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC). By Thursday morning, the system was moving toward Bermuda, though the NHC warned that “catastrophic flash flooding and landslides” would continue across the affected islands.
Widespread Damage and Rising Death Toll
The storm’s fierce winds and torrential rains caused massive flooding, toppled trees, and downed power lines across Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. Officials have reported more than 30 deaths, though the toll is expected to rise as rescuers reach isolated areas cut off by flooding and landslides.
In Jamaica’s southern parish of St. Elizabeth, floodwaters washed up four bodies, according to Desmond McKenzie, the country’s Minister for Local Government and Community Development.
“I am saddened to announce that four persons – three men and one woman – have been confirmed dead by the police in St. Elizabeth. They were discovered after being washed up by the floodwaters generated by the hurricane,” McKenzie said in a statement.
Rescue and Relief Efforts Underway
Emergency operations are underway across the Caribbean, but blocked roads, power outages, and disrupted communications have hampered rescue efforts. Jamaica’s main international airport reopened late Wednesday, allowing relief flights to bring in food, water, and medical supplies. Helicopters are delivering aid to remote communities stranded by collapsed bridges and submerged roads.
International Aid and Solidarity
The scale of devastation has prompted global offers of assistance. In Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed solidarity with those affected, saying:
“In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation of eastern Cuba, the Trump Administration stands with the brave Cuban people who continue to struggle to meet basic needs.”
Rubio said the United States is prepared to provide humanitarian aid directly and through local partners.
Neighboring countries and international organizations have also pledged financial support, food aid, and rescue teams as the region begins the long road to recovery.
Ongoing Threats
Meteorologists warn that even as Hurricane Melissa weakens, heavy rains and flash floods could persist through the weekend, posing further risks to already devastated areas.
The storm, which has shattered records for intensity this season, underscores the increasing vulnerability of the Caribbean to extreme weather events intensified by climate change.
