Powerful Hurricane Melissa Devastates Caribbean, Dozens Dead

On October 31, 2025, the Caribbean region was struck by the devastating force of Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful Atlantic storms on record. The Category 5 hurricane made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, tying strength records for wind speed and barometric pressure.

The storm's impact was felt across the region, with Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti bearing the brunt of the destruction. In Jamaica, government workers and residents have been working to clear roads and reach dozens of isolated communities that sustained a direct hit. The death toll in the country has risen to at least 14, with officials expecting the number to continue climbing.

In Cuba, the military has been assisting in rescue efforts and clearing blocked roads, while the government evacuated over 735,000 people ahead of the storm. The town of El Cobre, home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Charity, was one of the hardest-hit areas, with widespread damage to homes and the historic church.

The situation in Haiti is equally dire, with at least 30 people reported killed and 20 others missing, mostly in the southern region. Thousands of Haitians remain in shelters, and the government is mobilizing resources to search for victims and provide emergency relief.

As the region grapples with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, rescue efforts are underway, and communities are working to restore power, clear debris, and rebuild their homes and infrastructure.