Caribbean – November 1, 2025
Hurricane Melissa has finally moved out of the Caribbean after ravaging Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba for several days, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming at least 50 lives. Authorities warn the death toll is likely to rise as rescue and recovery operations continue.

Jamaica Faces Massive Damage

Melissa struck Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane on Tuesday, bringing catastrophic winds and rainfall. More than 60 percent of the island remains without electricity, and nearly half of its water systems are offline. In the historic town of Black River, up to 90 percent of buildings lost their roofs, power lines were toppled, and concrete structures collapsed.

Local residents described scenes of desperation. Monique Powell said, “People are hungry,” as she oversaw a small stash of groceries for her community in Greenfield. Michelle Barnes, with her 13-year-old daughter, recounted, “Everything is gone,” as they collected food handouts, many of which were water-damaged.

Haiti and Cuba Also Hit Hard

In Haiti, at least 31 deaths have been reported, with 21 people still missing, primarily in the southern regions. More than 15,800 people remain in emergency shelters as communities assess damage.

Cuba avoided fatalities, but emergency services continue to rescue residents stranded by flooding caused by the Cauto River overflowing. In eastern Cuba, up to 380mm (15 inches) of rain fell in some areas, submerging homes and forcing large-scale evacuations. Emergency workers have been using boats and military vehicles to reach stranded families.

Climate Change Links and Disaster Preparedness

Meteorologists warn that human-caused climate change has made hurricanes like Melissa up to four times more likely, according to a study by Imperial College London. The storm underscores the urgent need for climate resilience and disaster preparedness in the Caribbean.

Jamaica has deployed disaster bonds and climate financing measures, including a $150 million catastrophe bond with the World Bank issued in 2024, to provide financial protection over four hurricane seasons. The bond has already been triggered by Hurricane Melissa, offering critical support for recovery efforts.

Officials also urged donors to use official government channels to avoid scams, highlighting the global outpouring of support for affected communities.

Recovery and Ongoing Risks

Rescue operations continue across the Caribbean, with authorities prioritizing electricity restoration, water system repairs, and clearing debris. In Cuba, residents like Eduardo Verdecia, 83, remain stranded as the Cauto River continues to rise, exacerbated by runoff from surrounding mountains.

Melissa’s devastating impact serves as a stark reminder of the increasing intensity of tropical storms in the Caribbean and the urgent need for international climate support and local disaster preparedness.