Hurricane Melissa Devastates Caribbean: Death Toll Rises to 49

UPDATE: Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact continues to unfold across the Caribbean, leaving at least 49 dead as communities in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba struggle to recover from the destruction. Emergency crews and residents are racing against time to clear debris and provide relief to those affected by one of the most powerful storms in Atlantic history.

In Jamaica, the storm’s devastation is profound. Residents are grappling with the loss of homes, as government workers and volunteers work tirelessly to reach isolated communities. Heavy machinery roars through the streets of southeast Jamaica, where the sound of chainsaws and machetes echoes amid the destruction. Sylvester Guthrie, a resident of Lacovia, expressed his despair, stating, “I don’t have a house now… I am going to need help.”

Authorities confirm that the death toll in Jamaica has reached at least 25, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness reporting that up to 90% of roofs in the southwest coastal community of Black River were destroyed. “Black River is what you would describe as ground zero,” he stated, highlighting the enormity of the disaster. Over 25,000 people are currently housed in shelters, with 77% of the island still without power.

In Haiti, the situation is equally dire, with at least 20 fatalities confirmed in Petit-Goâve, and a further 18 people reported missing. Steven Guadard, a local resident, shared a heartbreaking account of his family’s loss, stating, “Melissa killed my entire family.” The Haitian Civil Protection Agency is actively assessing the damage, which includes over 160 homes impacted and numerous families requiring emergency food assistance.

Meanwhile, in Cuba, the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has left communities reeling. Although no fatalities have been reported, more than 735,000 people were evacuated as the storm battered eastern regions. Residents are now returning to find significant damage, including downed power lines and destroyed infrastructure. “We are cleaning the streets, clearing the way,” said Santiago resident Yaima Almenares, as she and her neighbors work together to restore their community.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 storm, boasting winds of 185 mph (295 kph), tying historical records for Atlantic hurricanes. It later weakened to a Category 3 storm before impacting Cuba early Wednesday. Officials warn that conditions remain perilous, with a hurricane warning still in effect for the southeastern and central Bahamas, as well as Bermuda.

As of late Thursday, Hurricane Melissa is tracked as a Category 2 storm with sustained winds near 100 mph (155 kph). The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami reports that it is moving north-northeast at 21 mph (33 kph), and is expected to approach Bermuda later today.

The urgent need for humanitarian assistance is becoming critical. As recovery efforts continue, the emotional toll on affected families is palpable, with many questioning how they will rebuild their lives. Local and international organizations are mobilizing to provide necessary resources, but the scale of the disaster poses a significant challenge.

Next Steps: Authorities will continue to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts, while residents begin the arduous task of rebuilding their homes and communities. For those affected, the path to recovery will be long and demanding, and ongoing support will be crucial in the days and weeks to come.

Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops and recovery efforts progress.