A humanitarian crisis deepens across the Caribbean as officials confirm more than 40 deaths linked to Hurricane Melissa, the historic storm that battered Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti this week. Jamaicans are now pleading for food, water, and shelter as recovery efforts intensify following the most destructive hurricane to strike the island in decades.
Authorities in Haiti reported at least 25 deaths in the town of Petit-Grove after a river overflowed its banks, flooding entire communities. In Jamaica, the confirmed death toll has risen to at least 15, with fatalities reported in St. Elizabeth Parish, Westmoreland, St. James, and Hanover. One death was also recorded in the Dominican Republic as the storm brushed Hispaniola.
In Montego Bay, FOX Weather correspondent Robert Ray described “unimaginable” devastation as families searched for missing loved ones. One woman told Ray, “Three children I rescued last night. Their parents just flung them over the wall to me.” She said the children are safe but resources are scarce. Another resident pleaded, “If we can get some food and water right now … we don’t have running water. It’s crazy.”
More than 170 Jamaican communities were severely impacted by flooding and landslides, according to local officials. Power remains out for over 500,000 people, with utility crews racing to assess damage and restore electricity. “We know you’re waiting for power, and we know that wait is hard,” the Jamaica Public Service Company said.
President Donald Trump authorized an immediate U.S. response, deploying a Disaster Assistance Response Team and Urban Search and Rescue crews to aid recovery. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed coordination with United Nations agencies to deliver critical supplies and relief. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness said all international airports have reopened for relief flights and vowed to ensure help reaches the hardest-hit communities.
