Hurricane Melissa has wreaked havoc in the Caribbean, particularly affecting Cuba and Haiti. After making landfall in Jamaica, Melissa resulted in widespread destruction, with reports of at least 20 fatalities in Haiti alone, highlighting the storm’s deadly impact.
Overview of Hurricane Melissa
Hurricane Melissa, a devastating Category 5 storm, made landfall in Jamaica before moving toward Cuba. It is considered one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit the region in 90 years, with sustained winds reaching over 300 km/h.
Impact on Cuba
- Date of Impact: October 29, 2025
- Location: Santiago de Cuba
- Evacuations: Approximately 735,000 residents were evacuated prior to the storm.
- Damages: The storm caused significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and power lines, leading to widespread power outages.
- Flooding: Areas experienced between 250 to 500 mm of rainfall, with some mountainous regions receiving as much as 635 mm, resulting in dangerous flooding and landslides.
Residents are actively engaging in cleanup efforts, though many are still without electricity and facing the aftermath of the storm.
Consequences in Haiti
In Haiti, heavy rains from the outskirts of Hurricane Melissa have caused at least 20 deaths, including ten children. The severe weather caused significant flooding, leading to homes being swept away, particularly in coastal towns like Petit-Goâve.
Authorities are currently assessing the damage, with reports of individuals still missing due to the storm’s effects.
Destruction in Jamaica
- Landfall Date: October 28, 2025
- Category: 5 hurricane (highest on the Saffir-Simpson scale)
- Damage Reports: Extensive destruction occurred, with estimates of over one million people affected.
- Casualties: Initially reported three deaths, although no confirmed fatalities were accounted for in Jamaica as of the latest updates.
The Jamaican government has declared a state of emergency as recovery efforts begin. More than 25,000 people sought shelter due to the extensive damage, particularly in western Jamaica where numerous homes were destroyed.
Government and International Response
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel reported considerable damage from Hurricane Melissa, though no immediate casualties were confirmed. In contrast, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that American teams are providing emergency aid in both Jamaica and Haiti.
International assistance has been pledged, with the United Kingdom committing £2.5 million (approximately $4.6 million) to support recovery efforts in Jamaica.
Climate Context
Climate experts note that while the number of hurricanes may not be increasing, the intensity and frequency of the most severe storms are rising due to global warming, emphasizing the need for greater disaster preparedness in vulnerable areas.
Hurricane Melissa serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by Caribbean nations each hurricane season, prompting calls for improved infrastructure and disaster response strategies.
