Hurricane Melissa has now claimed the lives of at least 49 people across the northern Caribbean, with the death toll expected to rise as search and rescue operations continue in areas ravaged by the storm. The powerful hurricane left behind a trail of destruction, flooding, and power outages, impacting millions of residents across multiple Caribbean nations.

Haiti Hit Hard by Flooding

Although Haiti was not directly in the hurricane’s path, the nation suffered catastrophic flooding caused by torrential rains from Hurricane Melissa. Authorities reported at least 30 fatalities and approximately 20 people missing. Entire communities were submerged, forcing thousands to evacuate to temporary shelters. The humanitarian situation remains critical, with local officials urging international assistance for the most affected regions.

Jamaica Experiences Devastation from Category 5 Hurricane

Jamaica bore the brunt of Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall on October 30, 2025, as a Category 5 storm with sustained winds reaching 295 km/h (183 mph). The hurricane struck Jamaica’s western side, sparing the capital, Kingston, but causing unprecedented destruction to infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods. The Jamaican government reported 19 fatalities, and approximately 70% of the island’s electricity customers remain without power.

According to UN Resident Coordinator Dennis Zulu, the damage in Jamaica is unprecedented, with preliminary assessments suggesting a level of devastation “never seen before” on the island. Emergency crews are actively working to clear debris, restore electricity, and provide aid to displaced residents.

Impact on the Dominican Republic and Cuba

The Dominican Republic reported one death as heavy rainfall and flooding affected large parts of the country. Neighboring Cuba experienced intense winds and flooding, particularly in the eastern regions, though no fatalities have been reported so far. Authorities continue to monitor the storm’s progress as it moves past the Bahamas and approaches Bermuda, maintaining a distance of about 60 km (37 miles) from the island.

Caribbean Infrastructure and Humanitarian Crisis

Across the Caribbean, hundreds of thousands remain without power, with downed trees, damaged roads, and flooded areas hampering relief efforts. UN agencies are assessing the full extent of the destruction, while the US State Department has deployed the Disaster Assistance Response Team to assist affected nations, including Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, and the Bahamas.

Weather experts from AccuWeather estimate that the preliminary economic losses from Hurricane Melissa could reach $48-52 billion, marking it as one of the most destructive storms in recent Caribbean history. Governments and relief agencies are mobilizing resources to support recovery and reconstruction efforts.

A Region on High Alert

Even as Hurricane Melissa weakens, the region remains on high alert. Continuous rainfall, flooding, and strong winds threaten additional damage and complicate relief operations. Residents are advised to remain in shelters and follow local emergency guidelines until authorities confirm that it is safe to return to their homes.

Hurricane Melissa serves as a stark reminder of the increasing intensity of Atlantic hurricanes and the urgent need for preparedness and resilient infrastructure in vulnerable regions. The Caribbean community, with support from international agencies, is now focused on rescue operations, rebuilding, and mitigating further humanitarian impact.