Kingston, Jamaica – October 29, 2025 — Hurricane Melissa has unleashed catastrophic destruction across parts of the Caribbean, leaving dozens dead and thousands displaced in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. The storm, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 295 km/h before moving on to Cuba.
Across all three nations, the aftermath was grim — roofless homes, collapsed buildings, downed power lines, and flooded communities painted a picture of despair and devastation.
Jamaica: Communities in Ruins
In Jamaica, the hardest-hit areas such as St. Elizabeth and Manchester were reduced to mud pits following heavy rainfall and landslides. In Santa Cruz, a massive landslide blocked major roads, leaving residents stranded as they struggled to clear debris and salvage their belongings. Winds ripped roofs off homes and even damaged parts of a local high school that had served as a public shelter.
“I never saw anything like this before in all my years living here,” said resident Jennifer Small, sweeping water from her flooded living room.
More than 25,000 people have sought refuge in temporary shelters across the island, with many more joining as floodwaters rose. Jamaica’s Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon reported that approximately 77% of the island remained without electricity as of Wednesday.
The situation has made assessment efforts extremely difficult. “We are experiencing a total communication blackout in some parishes,” said Richard Thompson, Acting Director-General of Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).
Deputy Chairman of Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Council, Desmond McKenzie, acknowledged the scale of the tragedy. “It’s not going to be an easy road, Jamaica. Many are wondering what their future is going to be like,” he said.
One confirmed fatality occurred in the island’s west when a falling tree struck a baby, according to State Minister Abka Fitz-Henley.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced plans to fly over the most affected regions to oversee rescue and recovery efforts. “Our first priority is to restore power and access to isolated communities,” he said.
For residents like Annette Lowe, the storm’s destruction was personal and heartbreaking. “My entire house top is gone, and right now the back of my house is being threatened by water,” she said tearfully.
Nearby, David Muschette, an 84-year-old resident, sat among the remains of his roofless home. “I lost everything,” he said, pointing to his soaked clothes and furniture scattered outside. “I need help.”
Jamaican authorities have announced plans to reopen airports as early as Thursday to expedite the delivery of emergency relief supplies.
Haiti: Floods Claim Lives and Homes
In Haiti, torrential rains from Hurricane Melissa triggered severe flooding and landslides. At least 25 people were confirmed dead in the southern coastal town of Petit-Goâve, according to Mayor Jean Bertrand Subrème.
Dozens of homes collapsed after the La Digue River overflowed its banks, trapping residents under debris. “People are still buried under the rubble,” the mayor said, adding that only one official from the Civil Protection Agency had reached the area by Wednesday morning.
Evacuation efforts have been hampered by washed-out roads and rising waters, leaving many stranded without food, clean water, or medical assistance.
Cuba: Bracing for Economic and Humanitarian Fallout
Cuba also faced widespread destruction, particularly in its southwestern and northwestern regions. Officials reported collapsed homes, damaged infrastructure, and blocked mountain roads. More than 735,000 people remained in shelters across eastern Cuba as authorities assessed the full extent of the damage.
“That was hell. All night long, it was terrible,” said Reinaldo Charon, a 52-year-old resident of Santiago de Cuba, as he ventured out in the rain to inspect the ruins of his neighborhood.
In Granma Province, entire communities were submerged. Governor Yanetsy Terry Gutiérre confirmed that the municipal capital, Jiguaní, was underwater, with rainfall exceeding 15 inches (40 cm) in some areas.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel addressed the nation on television, warning that recovery would be long and difficult. “There will be a lot of work to do. We know there will be significant damage,” he said. “Melissa is the strongest hurricane ever to hit our national territory.”
The storm has compounded Cuba’s ongoing economic crisis, characterized by chronic fuel shortages, power blackouts, and food insecurity. Authorities fear that Melissa’s impact will further strain limited national resources.
Regional and International Response
The United States announced it is sending rescue and response teams to support recovery efforts across the Caribbean. “We are coordinating with leadership in Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Humanitarian organizations, including the Red Cross and UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, have also pledged emergency relief.
The Storm’s Continuing Path
As of Wednesday afternoon, Hurricane Melissa’s sustained winds had dropped to 155 km/h (100 mph) as it moved northeast at 22 km/h (14 mph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami. The hurricane was centered about 245 km (150 miles) south of the central Bahamas.
“The storm is growing in size,” said Michael Brennan, Director of the NHC. “Tropical-storm-force winds now extend almost 200 miles from the center.”
Melissa was forecast to pass through the southeastern Bahamas later Wednesday, generating a storm surge of up to 2 meters (7 feet) and rainfall of up to 20 inches (51 cm) in some areas. By late Thursday, the hurricane was expected to move just west of Bermuda, still powerful enough to cause flooding and coastal damage.
A Region United in Recovery
Across the Caribbean, the focus has now shifted to relief and rebuilding. Governments and international partners are mobilizing to provide food, medical care, and shelter to thousands of displaced families.
Despite the devastation, communities are showing remarkable resilience. “We will rebuild,” said a Jamaican volunteer in St. Elizabeth, helping neighbors clear debris from a flooded street. “It’s what we always do — we help each other.”
As Hurricane Melissa continues its journey through the Atlantic, its trail of destruction serves as a stark reminder of the Caribbean’s vulnerability to extreme weather and the urgent need for stronger disaster preparedness in the face of a changing climate.
