Kingston [Jamaica], November 3 (ANI): Hurricane Melissa has claimed at least 50 lives across the Caribbean as it moves away after devastating parts of Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. Authorities have warned that the death toll is likely to rise further, according to a report by Al Jazeera.
The hurricane struck Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 storm, unleashing widespread destruction. More than 60 percent of the island remains without power, and nearly half of the country’s water systems are offline. In the historic town of Black River, up to 90 percent of buildings lost their roofs, while snapped power lines and toppled concrete structures added to the destruction, Al Jazeera reported.
Jamaica’s Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon said that while 19 deaths have been confirmed, credible reports indicate that up to five additional fatalities may soon be verified.
In Haiti, officials reported at least 31 deaths and 21 people missing, mostly in the southern region. More than 15,800 people remain in shelters as recovery and relief efforts continue, according to Al Jazeera.
Cuba, though reporting no fatalities as of Friday, experienced extensive flooding after more than 735,000 people were evacuated from the island’s eastern provinces. The overflowing Cauto River forced emergency teams to conduct rescues using boats and military vehicles through waist-deep floodwaters. Some areas received as much as 380 mm (15 inches) of rain, the report added.
Experts have described Hurricane Melissa as one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the region. A study by Imperial College London cited by Al Jazeera found that the storm was made four times more likely by human-induced climate change.
Jamaica is now turning to financial mechanisms to aid its recovery. The country’s catastrophe bond, issued in 2024 in partnership with the World Bank, provides USD 150 million in coverage over four hurricane seasons and has been triggered by Hurricane Melissa.
Authorities have urged donors and humanitarian agencies to contribute only through official government channels to avoid scams during the ongoing relief operations. (ANI)
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