Hurricane Melissa Kills Over 40 in Caribbean, Heads Toward Bahamas with Severe Threat

Hurricane Melissa has caused significant devastation across the Caribbean, resulting in over 40 deaths and widespread destruction in Haiti, Jamaica, and Cuba. The storm made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane, the strongest ever recorded there, causing extensive damage and economic losses estimated at $22 billion. In Haiti, severe flooding led to at least 25 fatalities, particularly in Petit-Goâve where a river burst its banks, with many homes flooded and ongoing humanitarian challenges exacerbated by political instability. Cuba's second-largest city also suffered isolation and damage as the storm passed through. Currently, as a Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds around 100 mph, Melissa is moving northeast towards the Bahamas, where authorities have issued mandatory evacuations due to anticipated life-threatening storm surges and continued strong winds. Emergency response efforts and international aid are being mobilized to address the growing humanitarian crisis across the affected regions.