Hurricane Melissa Causes 59 Deaths Across Caribbean, Jamaica Reports 28 Fatalities

Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm with winds up to 185 mph, has caused severe devastation, particularly in western parishes, resulting in at least 28 confirmed deaths with the toll expected to rise as many affected communities remain inaccessible. The storm damaged homes, hospitals, infrastructure, and agriculture, with widespread flooding and power outages complicating rescue and recovery efforts. Government agencies, including the Office of Disaster Preparedness, the Jamaica Defence Force, and the Ministry of Health, are coordinating response efforts, including establishing field hospitals to support strained medical facilities. International aid, including assistance from the World Health Organization and countries like Spain, Canada, and India, is bolstering the recovery. Thousands of tourists remain stranded due to ongoing flight cancellations, and many areas still face blocked access routes, hindering delivery of food and aid. The hurricane has also impacted neighboring Caribbean nations, causing additional fatalities and widespread damage.