Hurricane Melissa tore through parts of the Caribbean this week, leaving dozens dead and thousands homeless after lashing Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica with torrential rain and winds exceeding 250 kilometres per hour. The Category 5 storm made landfall late Tuesday night, flattening homes, toppling power lines, and submerging towns under floodwaters.
In Cuba, authorities confirmed at least 18 fatalities and widespread infrastructural damage in the provinces of Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo. The state utility company reported that more than 70 percent of the island’s eastern grid was down as crews struggled to restore electricity.
Haiti, still recovering from years of political crisis and previous natural disasters, reported at least 25 deaths and scores missing. The nation’s civil protection agency said roads were washed away, isolating several coastal communities. Emergency shelters in Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien quickly filled to capacity.
Jamaica also faced severe flooding in Kingston and Montego Bay, where rivers overflowed and landslides destroyed sections of the main highway. The Jamaican government declared a national emergency, urging residents in low-lying areas to relocate.
Regional weather agencies warned that heavy rainfall could persist for several days, increasing the risk of further landslides and flash floods. Aid shipments from neighbouring islands and international agencies began arriving Thursday, carrying food, medical supplies, and water purification tablets.
Officials across the affected countries have appealed for international assistance, citing urgent needs for shelter, clean water, and fuel to power hospitals and rescue operations.
