Hurricane Melissa Devastates Caribbean, Death Toll Exceeds 50

Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms on record, has left a trail of devastation across the Caribbean, with the death toll surpassing 50. The storm made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane, marking the most intense storm to hit the island since 1988.

In Jamaica, at least 19 fatalities have been confirmed, with indications that more bodies may be recovered. Approximately 462,000 residents remain without power, and emergency food distributions have commenced.

Haiti has reported at least 31 deaths, including many children, primarily due to a river overflowing near the town of Petit-Goâve. In Cuba, while no deaths have been reported, thousands have been evacuated, and over 60,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed.

The storm has also severely impacted children across the region. UNICEF estimates that more than 700,000 children have been affected, facing displacement, disrupted education, and limited access to essential services.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is closely monitoring the situation and supporting health preparedness efforts in the affected countries. Authorities are preparing for significant risks to public health and the functionality of health systems, including potential damage to health facilities and disruptions to essential services.

AccuWeather estimates the total economic loss and damage caused by Hurricane Melissa to be between $48 and $52 billion. Scientists attribute the increasing intensity and frequency of such hurricanes to warming ocean waters driven by greenhouse gas emissions.