Storm Melissa Death Toll Rises to 44 as Destruction Sweeps the Caribbean

At least 44 people are confirmed dead after Hurricane Melissa tore through the northern Caribbean this week, unleashing catastrophic winds and flooding before churning toward Bermuda. Jamaica and Haiti suffered the most severe impacts, according to official reports released Thursday, October 30, 2025.

Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane, the strongest ever recorded to strike the island. Winds topping 175 mph ripped roofs from homes, flattened communities, and left more than 70% of the island without electricity. Haiti, though not directly hit, was inundated by days of torrential rain that caused deadly floods and landslides.

Jamaica and Haiti Bear the Brunt of Storm Melissa

Jamaica’s information minister confirmed at least 19 deaths nationwide, with hundreds of thousands still without power. Military and rescue teams have been deployed across parishes like St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland to reach stranded residents. Prime Minister Andrew Holness called the devastation “unprecedented in modern times.”

In Haiti, officials reported 25 deaths, primarily in the southern town of Petit-Goâve, where a river burst its banks and swept away homes and vehicles. A section of a key highway connecting to Jacmel was destroyed by floodwaters, further isolating communities already struggling to recover from past storms.

AccuWeather estimated total damages and economic losses from Melissa at between $48 billion and $52 billion. The storm ranks among the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic and is also one of the slowest-moving, compounding the destruction with prolonged rainfall and storm surge.

Cuba, the Bahamas, and Bermuda on Alert

Eastern Cuba reported no deaths but extensive damage after Melissa passed through as a Category 3 hurricane. More than 735,000 people were evacuated, and authorities said over 240 communities remained without communications. Crops and rural homes suffered heavy losses across Santiago province.

In the Bahamas, storm warnings were lifted late Wednesday, but the government has not yet issued an “all clear.” Officials said hundreds of evacuees will likely remain in shelters until damage assessments conclude this weekend. Meanwhile, Bermuda is bracing for high winds as Melissa moves northward. Authorities have announced school closures and transport suspensions “out of an abundance of caution.”

Wider Humanitarian and Environmental Impact

The U.S. and several international partners are mobilizing aid for the affected nations. U.S. search and rescue teams are already en route to Jamaica, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is ready to provide “immediate humanitarian assistance” to Cuba and other impacted nations.

Scientists warn that the rapid intensification of storms like Melissa reflects the growing influence of climate change. Warmer ocean waters, driven by rising global temperatures, provide the energy that fuels stronger and more destructive hurricanes. Caribbean leaders have renewed calls for wealthier nations to meet climate financing commitments and support recovery efforts in vulnerable island states.

With 44 confirmed deaths, billions in damage, and widespread displacement, Hurricane Melissa stands as one of the most devastating storms in Caribbean history. The region now faces a long and costly recovery as aid begins to flow and communities rebuild from the wreckage.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How many people have died in Storm Melissa?

At least 44 people have died — 19 in Jamaica and 25 in Haiti — according to official reports.

Q2: Where did Storm Melissa make landfall?

It made landfall in southwestern Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane, the strongest in the nation’s history.

Q3: How much damage did Storm Melissa cause?

Estimated total damages are $48 billion to $52 billion across the Caribbean, according to AccuWeather.

Q4: What countries were affected by Storm Melissa?

Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, the Bahamas, and Bermuda were impacted, with Jamaica and Haiti suffering the worst damage.

Q5: Why is Storm Melissa significant?

It was one of the strongest and slowest-moving Atlantic hurricanes on record, amplifying damage and flooding across the region.

References

Reuters. (2025). “Hurricane Melissa death toll rises to 44 after hitting Jamaica and Haiti.” October 31, 2025.

Associated Press. (2025). “Hurricane Melissa devastates Jamaica as Category 5 storm.” October 30, 2025.

BBC News. (2025). “Hurricane Melissa barrels toward Bermuda after Caribbean destruction.” October 31, 2025.