Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica: Death Toll Rises and Aid Efforts Intensify

Fri Oct 31 2025 19:02:07 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Hurricane Melissa has claimed at least 19 lives in Jamaica, stranding communities and destroying infrastructure as aid efforts struggle to reach those in need.

As Hurricane Melissa's death toll climbs to 19 in Jamaica, widespread destruction and challenges in aid distribution are reported. The hurricane, which struck as a Category Five storm, has led to suffering across the Caribbean including significant fatalities in Haiti. Residents are left without basic necessities amid ongoing rescue operations.

At least 19 people have died in Jamaica as a result of Hurricane Melissa, Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon reported, as search and rescue efforts intensify and authorities strive to deliver aid to heavily impacted regions.

The hurricane, one of the most powerful to strike the Caribbean, has also claimed at least 30 lives in Haiti, according to officials. In Jamaica, communities are described as marooned, with entire neighborhoods flattened. Reports highlighted devastating scenes particularly in the western parts of the island.

Electricity is out across most of Jamaica, and as residents salvage belongings from flooded and muddied homes, many thousands are increasingly desperate for aid. Reports indicated that some areas have been without water for days, and food supplies are dwindling.

Aid supplies are beginning to arrive more rapidly as the main airport in Kingston is returning to normal operation. However, smaller regional airports crucial for humanitarian missions remain mostly inoperative, complicating transport of goods. Aid agencies and military personnel are transporting vital supplies from Kingston by road, although many routes are still impassable due to storm damage.

Satellite imagery reveals that nearly all buildings in several Jamaican villages have been destroyed. Residents in western towns voiced their despair, stating that 'words can't explain how devastating' the situation has become. Trevor 'Zyanigh' Whyte from Westmoreland reported a complete disconnection from loved ones due to obstructed roads.

In Haiti, many of the victims were victims of flooding, prompting ongoing assessments in areas yet to be reached by authorities. Almost 15,000 people are currently sheltered in over 120 facilities.

In Cuba, more than 3 million individuals faced life-threatening conditions, although no deaths have been reported thus far. Authorities indicated that nearly 240 communities have become isolated due to landslides and floodwaters.

Hurricane Melissa made landfall on Tuesday as a Category Five storm, bringing with it maximum sustained winds of up to 185 mph. Recovery and support efforts from governments, humanitarian organizations, and worldwide citizens are intensifying.

The U.S. State Department is dispatching a disaster response team to assist in search and rescue operations and provide essential supplies. The UK government has mobilized additional humanitarian support—including shelter kits and solar lights—while preparing to evacuate British nationals still stranded in Jamaica.

As Jamaica and other Caribbean nations begin the difficult task of assessing and recovering from the damage wrought by Melissa, Bermuda is now bracing itself for impact as the storm continues its path through the region.