Caribbean Nations Begin Recovery After Deadly Hurricane Melissa Causes Widespread Destruction

Caribbean countries are working to clear debris and restore essential services after Hurricane Melissa swept through the region, leaving extensive damage and numerous casualties in its wake. The storm, which intensified to a Category 5 hurricane as it made landfall in Jamaica, has caused significant disruption across several nations, with major infrastructural and economic impacts anticipated.

Hurricane Melissa moved away from the Caribbean and is currently over the open Atlantic, heading towards Bermuda as a Category 2 storm. While hurricane warnings have been lifted in the Bahamas, authorities continue to urge caution as the storm's effects linger. The full extent of the devastation is still being assessed, with early reports indicating more than 30 fatalities across the affected countries.

Major Impact on Jamaica

Jamaica suffered some of the most severe consequences as the hurricane struck the island with maximum force. Initial reports indicate at least nine fatalities, including both storm-related deaths and incidents during preparations. Widespread destruction was observed in the southwestern city of Black River, where local officials estimate that over 90 percent of residential structures sustained damage. Vital public facilities such as hospitals, schools, churches, and bridges also experienced significant harm, with some historic buildings completely destroyed.

Cleanup crews in Montego Bay and other urban centers are focusing on removing debris, downed power lines, and fallen trees to reopen main roads. The primary goal is to restore accessibility to essential transport routes, followed by efforts to reach isolated rural areas. Jamaica's international airports are gradually resuming operations, prioritizing emergency aid deliveries and the repatriation of stranded tourists. Preliminary estimates place the total damages and economic losses at between 48 and 52 billion US dollars, with thousands of visitors, including German nationals, present on the island at the time of the disaster.

Cuba Faces Flooding and Communication Breakdowns

After passing over Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa weakened slightly before making landfall in eastern Cuba. There, the storm caused severe flooding, particularly impacting agricultural sectors such as coffee and banana plantations. While no fatalities have been reported in Cuba, many rural communities remain inaccessible due to washed-out or blocked roads. The hurricane also damaged telecommunications infrastructure, disrupting phone and mobile networks in large parts of the affected regions.

Heavy Losses in Haiti and Disruption in the Dominican Republic

Haiti has reported at least 24 deaths, mostly in the community of Petit Goâve, where a river overflowed following persistent rainfall. Local officials continue to search for missing persons, with 18 individuals still unaccounted for. The devastation has impacted both property and agriculture, as homes, vehicles, livestock, and crops were swept away by floodwaters. The Dominican Republic also experienced storm-related casualties, with at least one death confirmed.

Climate Scientists Warn of Increased Hurricane Risks

Recent analyses by climate researchers indicate that storms of this magnitude are becoming more frequent due to global warming. Experts from the Imperial College London estimate that climate change has increased the likelihood of hurricanes like Melissa by approximately four times and contributed to stronger wind speeds. Their models suggest that such an event would have occurred only once every 8,000 years in Jamaica without human-induced climate change; today, the probability is roughly once every 1,700 years.

Authorities across the Caribbean continue to assess the damage and implement recovery plans, with international aid and support expected to play a key role in rebuilding. The long-term economic and social impacts are likely to be significant, as communities strive to recover from one of the most destructive hurricanes in recent years.