Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of devastation across the Caribbean, with the death toll reported to be in the dozens. The storm, which struck as a Category 5 hurricane, is considered one of the most powerful in recent history, causing widespread destruction in Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Bahamas.​

The Impact and Casualties
Initial reports indicate at least 42 fatalities have been confirmed across the affected regions, with Jamaica bearing the brunt of the storm’s fury. The Jamaican government reported severe flooding, landslides, and destruction of infrastructure, including collapsed roads, power outages, and damaged buildings. Rescuers are still assessing the full extent of the damage, and many communities remain isolated and emergency services overwhelmed. The Jamaican Red Cross has activated its emergency response plans, with some 800 shelters prepared for displaced persons.​

In Cuba and Haiti, the situation is equally dire, with reports of entire communities submerged and hundreds of thousands affected. The United Nations’ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has activated an emergency response, allocating $4 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund to support critical supplies and health services.​

Background and Context
Hurricane Melissa formed in the Atlantic Ocean and rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm—the most powerful hurricane of 2025—before making landfall on Jamaica on October 27. It was rare for Jamaica to face such an intense hurricane, and authorities had issued mandatory evacuations for thousands of residents in vulnerable areas. Experts attribute the storm’s ferocity to climate change, which increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather events in the Caribbean region.​

Real-Life Impact and Eyewitness Insights
Eyewitnesses describe scenes of chaos and despair. Collin Henry McDonald, a retiree from Portland Cottage in Jamaica, recounted his experience during the storm: “It’s like a lion’s mad, really mad,” he said, describing the powerful winds and relentless rain. Rescue teams have managed to reach trapped families, including infants, in flooded homes, but many are still awaiting assistance.​

Expert and Humanitarian Response
Climate experts warn that landslides and flooding are likely to continue as soils remain saturated from the rainy season. The IFRC’s Mr. Mghendi emphasized that coastal communities, already strained financially, face increased risks of further disasters: “Extreme climate weather events can actually provide shocks to communities and stretch their capacities to withstand them”.​

Jamaica’s authorities are focused on rescue and recovery efforts, actively evacuating vulnerable populations and providing shelter. The international community, led by the Red Cross and UN agencies, is mobilizing resources to support immediate relief and long-term recovery.​

Next Steps
The road to recovery will be long and challenging. Humanitarian agencies warn that aid efforts must prioritize access to clean water, medical care, and shelter to prevent further loss of life. The storm underscores the urgent need for climate resilience measures across Caribbean nations.

In conclusion, Hurricane Melissa’s devastation highlights the increasing severity of climate-related disasters. Governments and aid groups are calling for global action to address climate change and bolster the resilience of vulnerable communities to future storms. Emergency response and recovery efforts are ongoing, and donations are being encouraged to aid the affected populations.