Dozens killed in Haiti as hurricane Melissa causes widespread destruction across Caribbean

At least 25 people have died in Haiti, with 18 more reported missing, following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, authorities confirmed on October 29.

The deadly storm, which caused massive flooding and structural collapse, has left entire communities in ruins. The majority of the casualties and missing persons are from a coastal town in southern Haiti, where heavy flooding led to the collapse of numerous homes, Caliber.Az reports per AP. 

As rescue teams continue to search for survivors and assess the damage, the full scale of the destruction is still emerging. In addition to the loss of life, many parts of the country are without power, and transportation routes remain impassable due to flooding and landslides.

Jamaica and Cuba have also suffered significant damage. In Jamaica’s St. Elizabeth parish, landslides blocked main roads and flooded streets, making it difficult for residents to escape the rising waters. The roof of a high school shelter was torn off by the fierce winds. In Cuba, approximately 735,000 people were forced into shelters, and the country’s southwest and northwest regions experienced severe structural damage.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall on October 28 as a Category 5 storm in Jamaica, with winds of up to 185 mph (295 km/h). It was one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, and its devastating effects were felt across the Caribbean. After striking Jamaica, the storm moved on to Cuba, where it weakened but continued to wreak havoc.

As authorities and emergency responders work around the clock to manage the aftermath, the full scope of the hurricane’s toll on lives, property, and infrastructure continues to unfold.

By Sabina Mammadli