Hurricane Melissa Claims 24 Lives in Devastating Cuba, Haiti Sweep

The catastrophic effects of Hurricane Melissa have left a significant impact across the Caribbean. The storm, which reached Category 5 status, first struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025, before moving on to Cuba and Haiti. Currently, at least 24 fatalities have been reported, with another 18 individuals considered missing.

Hurricane Melissa’s Impact

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica with winds nearing 300 kilometers per hour (km/h). While it weakened by the time it reached Cuba, the storm still caused severe damage, particularly in Santiago de Cuba and other locations.

• Death Toll: At least 25 lives lost in Haiti.
• Casualties in Jamaica: Eight fatalities have been confirmed.
• Missing Persons: 18 individuals unaccounted for across affected areas.
• Winds and Rainfall: Winds in Cuba reached nearly 222 km/h, with over 145 millimeters of rain recorded.
• People Displaced: 735,000 residents are currently in shelters in Cuba.

Areas Affected

The most significant destruction was reported in the southwestern and northwestern regions of Cuba. Authorities indicated that infrastructure damages are extensive, making recovery efforts difficult. Reports of blocked roads, downed power lines, and uprooted trees have emerged.

Emergency Response

In Jamaica, Prime Minister Andrew Holness stated that the government is fully mobilized for recovery efforts. Authorities are preparing relief supplies as the nation begins to assess the full extent of the storm’s impact.

On October 29, over 13,000 people sought refuge in shelters. Emergency services faced challenges due to the destruction of infrastructure. Airports in Jamaica are reopening to facilitate the arrival of emergency aid from international partners.

International Aid and Assistance

The United Nations allocated $4 million each to Haiti and Cuba from its Central Emergency Fund to aid recovery efforts. Meanwhile, the U.S. has announced the deployment of emergency response teams to assist in the response efforts.

• U.S. Assistance: Emergency response teams dispatched to the Caribbean.
• UN Support: $4 million allocated for recovery in Haiti and Cuba.

Experts predict that Hurricane Melissa, now downgraded to Category 2, may pose further risks with potential impacts expected in the Bahamas and Bermuda.