Tears Across the Caribbean: Hurricane Melissa Leaves Trail of Death and Despair
Heartbreak grips the Caribbean as Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms in recent history, tears through Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba, leaving at least 50 people dead and countless others homeless. The Category 5 monster storm ripped roofs off homes, snapped power lines, and swallowed towns whole. As Melissa finally drifts away, survivors are left staring at ruins where vibrant communities once stood, and officials warn, the death toll may yet rise.
Jamaica Hit Hard: Power And Water Systems Collapsed
More than 60 per cent of the island remains without power, and nearly half of the water systems are offline.
In the historic town of Black River, up to 90 per cent of structures lost their roofs, with snapped power lines and toppled concrete structures adding to the devastation, Al Jazeera reported.
Jamaica’s Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon said that while 19 deaths have been confirmed, credible reports suggest up to five additional fatalities may be identified.
Haiti Records Heavy Losses And Displacement
In Haiti, officials reported at least 31 deaths and 21 people missing, primarily in the southern region.
More than 15,800 people remain in shelters as recovery efforts continue, according to Al Jazeera.
Cuba Faces Massive Flooding, Zero Casualties Reported
Cuba reported no deaths as of Friday but faced severe flooding after more than 735,000 people were evacuated from the eastern part of the island.
The Cauto River overflowed, forcing emergency workers to conduct rescues using boats and military vehicles in waist-deep floodwaters.
Some areas received up to 380mm (15 inches) of rainfall, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Experts Link Storm Intensity To Climate Change
Experts have said that Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the region, was made four times more likely by human-induced climate change, according to a study by Imperial College London, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Jamaica Activates Catastrophe Bond For Recovery
Jamaica is also turning to financial mechanisms to support recovery.
The country’s catastrophe bond, issued in 2024 in collaboration with the World Bank, provides USD 150 million in protection for four hurricane seasons and has been triggered by Hurricane Melissa.
Authorities urged donors to contribute only through official government channels to avoid scams.
(Disclaimer: This article has been syndicated from ANI and has been mildly edited for clarity and context.)
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