Hurricane Melissa Causes Devastation Across the Caribbean, Leaving Dozens Dead

Fri Dec 05 2025 06:11:12 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Hurricane Melissa swept through the Caribbean, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life, especially in Jamaica and Haiti. With winds reaching up to 115 mph, the category five storm has left a trail of devastation and highlighted the urgent need for climate action.

Hurricane Melissa has wreaked havoc in the Caribbean, leading to widespread destruction and fatalities. As the storm impacted Jamaica with devastating floods and damage, at least five deaths have been confirmed there along with at least 20 fatalities in Haiti. The destruction has emphasized the pressing need for a climate response and relief efforts.

Hurricane Melissa has continued its devastating sweep across the Caribbean, decimating homes and infrastructure, flooding neighborhoods, and leaving dozens dead.

The impact in Jamaica was clearer on Wednesday, after the island nation was hit squarely by the category five storm - one of the most powerful hurricanes ever measured in the region. At least five people have been confirmed dead there.

At least another 20 died during flooding in Haiti as Melissa, now a category two storm, tore through the region.

In Jamaica, people remain stranded on roofs and without power. Prime Minister Andrew Holness noted the total devastation across the island nation.

He added that 80-90% of roofs were destroyed, along with hospitals, libraries, police stations, port houses, and other urban infrastructure.

King Charles, who is the head of state in Jamaica, expressed deep concern and sorrow over the extensive damage in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. He remarked, This most dreadful of record-breaking storms reminds us of the increasingly urgent need to restore the balance and harmony of Nature for the sake of all those whose lives and livelihoods may have been shattered by this heartbreaking disaster.

From Jamaica, where the storm also caused mudslides, Melissa moved north to Cuba as a category three storm, bringing 115 mph winds and heavy rain, battering the southeast of the island.

On Wednesday night, the storm was expected to reach the Bahamas and continue its path northward toward Bermuda.

A tropical storm warning is in place for the Turks and Caicos Islands as the storm's speed increases in the coming days.