Hurricane Melissa Claims Over 40 Lives, Causes Widespread Caribbean Destruction

Hurricane Melissa made landfall as a catastrophic Category 5 storm in Jamaica, marking the strongest hurricane ever recorded on the island with winds of 185 mph. The storm caused widespread devastation across Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, resulting in at least 40 deaths and extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and public shelters. In Haiti, severe flooding in Petit-Goâve led to significant fatalities and many missing persons, while Cuba experienced collapsed houses and blocked roads with hundreds of thousands seeking refuge in shelters. Jamaica faced unprecedented destruction with thousands displaced and shelter shortages forcing many to endure the storm in vulnerable conditions. The hurricane rapidly intensified within 24 hours, surprising experts with its strength and leading to life-threatening storm surges and flooding across the Caribbean. International aid efforts are underway, including US and UK emergency responses, to assist the affected regions in recovery and relief operations.