Deadly Hurricane Melissa Wreaks Havoc Across Caribbean

On October 30, 2025, the northern Caribbean region is reeling from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Atlantic storm that has claimed at least 28 lives across Haiti, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

In Jamaica, the government and residents have begun the arduous task of clearing roads and reaching isolated communities that were directly hit by the hurricane. Stunned residents have emerged to find their homes destroyed and belongings strewn about. Emergency relief flights have started landing at the country's main airport, which reopened late on October 29, as crews distribute water, food, and other essential supplies.

The situation is equally dire in Haiti, where Hurricane Melissa has unleashed catastrophic flooding, killing at least 23 people and leaving 13 others missing, mostly in the southern region of the country. Officials have also reported that 152 disabled people in the affected areas are in need of emergency food assistance, and more than 11,600 people remain sheltered due to the storm.

In Cuba, the military has been enlisted to rescue people trapped in isolated communities and clear blocked roads and highways. While no fatalities have been reported, the storm has caused significant damage to infrastructure, including the loss of roofs, power lines, and telecommunications cables.

As the region works to recover from the devastation, the U.S. State Department has announced a declaration of humanitarian assistance for Cuba, vowing to provide the country with aid through direct channels and local partners.