Storm of the Century: Hurricane Melissa Leaves Dozens Dead, Thousands Displaced

Hurricane Melissa has torn through the Caribbean over the last few days. It has left communities shattered and families struggling to recover from one of the most powerful storms the region has seen in more than a century.

The deadly hurricane has claimed at least 36 lives and caused widespread destruction across Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas.

“The devastation is truly heartbreaking, yet the spirit of the people remains unbroken,” Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said on social media as he visited some of the hardest-hit areas of the island.

Officials in Jamaica described conditions as “devastating” and “catastrophic.” More than 13,000 people remain in shelters, while thousands more are cut off from aid.

“Despite the difficulties, the Jamaican spirit shines through as a strong reminder that we are a resilient nation,” he added.

In Cuba, President Miguel Díaz-Canel said more than 735,000 people were evacuated. The Bahamas also evacuated over 1,400 residents before flights were suspended.

Relief efforts are underway across the Caribbean as authorities work to measure the full extent of Hurricane Melissa’s destruction. In Jamaica, officials have issued a warning about online scams targeting donors. They are urging the public to verify websites before sending money or supplies, after reports surfaced of fraudsters trying to profit from the disaster.

Hurricane Melissa is currently a Category 2 with maximum sustained winds of over 100 mph and is on its path towards Bermuda.

“Swells generated by Melissa will continue to affect portions of Hispaniola, Cuba, the Bahamas, the Turks and Caicos Islands and Bermuda during the next couple of days,” the National Hurricane Center reported.