How Many Lives Did Hurricane Melissa Claim as It Hits the Caribbean and Approaches the Bahamas?
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Synopsis
Hurricane Melissa has wreaked havoc across the Caribbean, claiming lives and isolating communities as it heads toward the Bahamas. With extensive damage reported in Cuba and Jamaica, the full impact is still being assessed. Stay informed as rescue operations unfold in the wake of this historic storm.
Key Takeaways
- Hurricane Melissa has caused severe destruction across the Caribbean.
- Approximately 140,000 people have been isolated in Cuba.
- Jamaica declared a disaster area due to extensive damage.
- Fatalities have been reported in multiple countries.
- The storm has weakened but remains a threat to the Bahamas.
Washington, Oct 29 (NationPress) Hurricane Melissa, now recognized as one of the most formidable Atlantic storms ever recorded, has unleashed widespread destruction throughout the Caribbean, resulting in numerous fatalities and leaving entire communities stranded as it advances toward the Bahamas.
The storm made landfall in Cuba early Wednesday as a Category 3 hurricane, deemed 'extremely dangerous' by the US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) in Miami.
Cuban officials report that the island has endured significant damage, with rising river levels isolating approximately 140,000 individuals.
Having moved beyond the island, the storm is now in the Atlantic Ocean, where it is anticipated to bring heavy rainfall and flooding to the southeastern Bahamas.
Earlier, Hurricane Melissa made its impact felt in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane around 1 p.m. ET on Tuesday, marking the most powerful storm in the island's recorded history.
The hurricane wreaked havoc on infrastructure, toppled power lines, and left a majority of the country without electricity.
Access to many areas remains restricted, and the full extent of the destruction is still under evaluation.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared Jamaica a disaster area as emergency teams initiated rescue and relief operations, especially in St. Elizabeth Parish, which local officials reported was 'underwater.'
The eye of the hurricane passed over the island's western parishes, sparing the capital, Kingston, from the worst effects.
Desmond McKenzie, Jamaica's Minister for Local Government and Community Development, noted on Wednesday that the government had yet to confirm any official death toll.
'We have not received alerts of any fatalities so far. Therefore, we cannot assume there are deaths,' McKenzie stated to reporters.
Local authorities, however, have reported casualties in other parts of the region.
In Haiti, at least 25 individuals lost their lives in Petit-Goave after a river flooded by Melissa overflowed its banks, according to the town's Mayor.
Additionally, three people died in Jamaica during storm preparations, and one fatality was reported in the Dominican Republic.
The NHC characterized Melissa as the most potent hurricane of the 2025 Atlantic season and among the most powerful to make landfall in the Atlantic basin.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned in a statement on X that the US is 'in close communication with the governments of Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and The Bahamas' as these nations respond to the hurricane.
'We have rescue and response teams heading to affected areas along with critical lifesaving supplies,' Rubio added.
As of Wednesday, Melissa had weakened to a Category 2 hurricane, with sustained winds measuring 105 meters per hour or 169 km per hour.
Point of View
It is crucial to convey the ongoing crisis surrounding Hurricane Melissa with accuracy and empathy. This storm has not only impacted physical structures but has also affected the lives of many individuals across the Caribbean. Our coverage aims to inform and support the affected regions while providing reliable updates on recovery efforts.
NationPress
30/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What category is Hurricane Melissa currently at?
As of Wednesday, Hurricane Melissa has weakened to a Category 2 hurricane, with sustained winds of 105 meters per hour or 169 km per hour.
How many fatalities have been reported due to Hurricane Melissa?
Currently, at least 25 fatalities have been confirmed in Haiti, along with additional deaths reported in Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.
What areas in Jamaica were most affected?
The hurricane caused extensive damage in various regions, particularly in St. Elizabeth Parish, which was reported to be underwater.
How are rescue operations being conducted?
Emergency teams are on the ground in affected areas, coordinating rescue operations and providing lifesaving supplies to those in need.
What actions are being taken by the US government?
The US is in close contact with regional governments and has dispatched rescue and response teams to assist in recovery efforts.
