Hurricane Melissa Causes Widespread Damage in Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful hurricanes in Atlantic history, struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, making landfall as a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 185 mph. Its catastrophic path of destruction affected Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba, leading to significant casualties and damages.

In Jamaica, the hurricane wreaked havoc, especially in the southwestern region. Prime Minister Andrew Holness reported that up to 90% of roofs were destroyed in Black River, leaving over 25,000 individuals seeking refuge in shelters. Furthermore, 77% of the island suffered from power outages. Tragically, at least four bos have been found in the southwestern area, with assessments of the overall damage ongoing.

Haiti also faced dire consequences, experiencing severe flooding, particularly in Petit-Goâve, where at least 20 fatalities occurred, including 10 children. The Civil Protection Agency indicated that over 160 homes suffered damage, with 80 completely destroyed. More than 11,600 people are currently sheltered in Haiti as officials highlight the urgent need for emergency food assistance for 152 disabled individuals in the southern regions.

Cuba was hit by Melissa as a Category 3 storm. Authorities executed the evacuation of over 735,000 residents in eastern Cuba. While no deaths have been reported, the storm caused significant devastation—homes collapsed, mountain roads were blocked, and numerous roofs were blown off buildings, particularly in the southwest and northwest regions.

As of October 31, 2025, Hurricane Melissa has weakened to a Category 1 storm and is moving toward the Bahamas. Efforts to assess damage and coordinate relief initiatives for impacted populations continue across the affected regions.