This article summarizes the devastation left by Hurricane Melissa across Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. It outlines the scale of loss and displacement and explains the ongoing risks as the storm moves northeast toward the Bahamas and Bermuda.
Drawing on firsthand reports and official statements, this post provides a concise situational overview. It offers key facts for those following developments or planning humanitarian support.
Rapid assessment: scope and immediate impacts
Hurricane Melissa struck as an exceptionally powerful event, bringing catastrophic damage across multiple Caribbean nations. The storm made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane with estimated sustained winds of 185 mph.
Country-level impacts and human toll
Across the region, communities experienced widespread destruction of homes, infrastructure, and essential services. In Haiti, authorities reported at least 40 deaths, including about 20 fatalities in the coastal town of Petit-Goâve, and several people remain missing.
In Cuba, officials described extensive damage to housing and public infrastructure. More than 735,000 people were housed in emergency shelters in southwest and northwest provinces.
In Jamaica, electricity and communications were severely disrupted. An estimated 77% of the island lost power, and localized blackouts hindered rescue and relief efforts.
Local officials in Black River called the situation “catastrophic,” noting that hospitals and emergency services were flooded and temporarily inoperable. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated the government is fully mobilized to coordinate relief and recovery.
The U.S. announced deployment of rescue and response teams to assist affected populations.
Key facts and urgent needs
Relief priorities are already emerging: search and rescue operations and emergency medical care are underway. Restoration of power and communications, shelter support, and rapid assessment of damaged infrastructure are also critical.
Access to clean water, food, and medical supplies is urgent where homes were destroyed and roads are blocked.
Snapshot of the crisis
The following concise points summarize the most urgent facts and figures:
Residents across affected islands recounted harrowing experiences—roofs ripped away, inundated homes, and communities cut off from outside assistance.
Where Melissa goes next: remaining hazards
By midweek, meteorological reports indicated that Melissa had weakened to a Category 2 storm with winds near 100 mph as it tracked northeast. Forecasters warned of continuing hazards across the Atlantic approach to the Bahamas and toward Bermuda.
Ongoing threats to watch
Key dangers still present as the system moves include heavy rainfall, destructive winds, and significant storm surge. Forecasters warned of potential surges up to seven feet in vulnerable coastal areas.
The storm’s expanding size increases the footprint of these threats even as maximum winds decrease.
For communities in the path and organizations providing assistance, the focus must remain on life-saving operations and rapid infrastructure assessments.
Durable plans for restoring essential services are also critical.
If you are seeking ways to help, consider supporting verified relief organizations working on the ground. Follow official guidance from local authorities for donations and volunteer assistance.
Here is the source article for this story: Hurricane Melissa churns across Cuba as a Category 2 storm while Jamaica reports a baby’s death