Hurricane Melissa Claims Lives and Causes Widespread Destruction in Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa, a devastating Category 5 storm, struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, unleashing winds up to 185 mph and causing widespread destruction. Particularly hard hit was the southwestern parish of St. Elizabeth, where nearly 90% of roofs were destroyed, especially in areas like Black River. The storm resulted in severe flooding and downed power lines across the capital, Kingston, and surrounding regions. Tragically, at least four deaths were reported, with over 25,000 residents displaced and seeking shelter.

After impacting Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 storm. In anticipation, Cuban officials evacuated over 735,000 residents from eastern provinces, including Granma and Santiago de Cuba. Despite these measures, Cuba suffered significant damage, including destroyed crops and flooded areas, particularly in the town of El Cobre and the historic Basilica of Our Lady of Charity. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported in Cuba, but the country now faces food and medicine shortages along with infrastructure repair challenges.

In Haiti, the storm caused catastrophic flooding, especially in the coastal town of Petit-Goâve, where the La Digue River overflowed, destroying homes and infrastructure. Reports indicated at least 25 fatalities, with 18 people missing and over 12,000 displaced. The emergency was compounded by the nation’s ongoing political inility and limited access to essential services.

As of October 30, 2025, Hurricane Melissa has weakened to a Category 2 storm and is moving toward Bermuda. Authorities in the affected areas are engaged in rescue and relief operations, while international aid is being mobilized. The Caribbean now faces a lengthy recovery process, grappling with infrastructure rebuilding and the economic repercussions of this disaster.