Hurricane Melissa Causes Widespread Destruction in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 185 mph, made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, causing widespread destruction. The storm then moved on to Haiti and Cuba, leaving a significant impact across the region.

In Jamaica, more than 25,000 people sought refuge in shelters as the hurricane damaged homes and infrastructure. Approximately 77% of the island experienced power outages. Transportation Minister Daryl Vaz described the devastation as "enormous." Prime Minister Andrew Holness reported that up to 90% of roofs in the southwest coastal community of Black River were destroyed, referring to it as "ground zero." At least four fatalities have been confirmed in the southwest region.

Haiti faced catastrophic flooding, particularly in the southern region. The Civil Protection Agency reported at least 25 deaths, including 20 in the town of Petit-Goâve, where the La Digue river overflowed, destroying numerous homes. Mayor Jean Bertrand Subrème expressed being "overwhelmed by the situation" and called for government assistance. More than 11,600 people remain in shelters, and many communities are still inaccessible due to floodwaters.

In Cuba, authorities evacuated over 735,000 people across eastern regions ahead of the storm. While no fatalities have been reported, the hurricane caused significant damage, including collapsed houses, blocked roads, and downed power lines. President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged the extensive damage and emphasized the need for recovery efforts. Residents in Santiago de Cuba have begun clearing debris and assessing the impact on their communities.

As of Thursday, October 30, Hurricane Melissa has weakened to a Category 2 storm with top sustained winds near 105 mph. The U.S. National Hurricane Center forecasts that the hurricane will pass northwest of Bermuda later today and tonight, with slight strengthening possible before weakening likely begins on Friday.