Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of destruction across the Caribbean, with at least 52 confirmed deaths and thousands displaced in Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
The storm, which peaked as a Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds of 295 kilometres per hour (kph), is now weakening as it moves toward Bermuda, but its impact continues to unfold.
Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, becoming the strongest hurricane to ever hit the island in over 170 years.
The southwestern region, particularly St. Elizabeth Parish, was devastated. Authorities have confirmed four deaths in Jamaica, with widespread flooding, collapsed buildings, and more than 530,000 residents left without power.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the country a disaster zone, and over 25,000 people remain in emergency shelters.
In Haiti, the storm triggered catastrophic flooding, especially in the southern town of Petit-Goâve, where a river burst its banks.
Officials report 25 deaths, including 10 children, and say dozens of homes were destroyed. More than 11,000 people are sheltering across the country, and aid agencies warn that food and medical support are urgently needed.
The Dominican Republic has reported one fatality, while Cuba, though heavily damaged, has not confirmed any deaths. More than 735,000 people were evacuated in Cuba, and over 240 communities remain isolated due to blocked roads and communication outages.
Melissa has now weakened to a Category 2 storm, with sustained winds of 144 kph, but continues to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the Bahamas.
Nearly 1,500 residents were evacuated in one of the country’s largest pre-landfall operations.
Bermuda is expected to feel the storm’s effects late Thursday into Friday.
International aid is beginning to arrive, with disaster response teams from the U.S., Canada, and Europe deploying to affected areas.
UNICEF estimates that 1.6 million children are at risk due to the storm’s aftermath, and relief organizations are working to deliver food, water, and hygiene kits.
As recovery begins, officials warn that the full extent of the damage may not be known for days.
