Hurricane Melissa leaves at least 50 dead across the Caribbean, including 19 in Jamaica, as storm moves toward Bermuda.
KINGSTON: Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of devastation across the Caribbean, with at least 50 confirmed deaths reported across Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. The storm, now moving over open water, made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 hurricane—one of the strongest Atlantic storms in recorded history.
Jamaican Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon confirmed on Thursday that 19 people had died on the island. The government has declared Jamaica a disaster zone, with widespread destruction caused by storm surges, flooding, and powerful winds.
Neighbouring countries were also impacted. Haiti, although not directly in the hurricane’s path, recorded 30 deaths due to torrential rains and floods, while the Dominican Republic reported one fatality. Authorities warn the death toll could rise further as assessments continue in remote regions.
Now downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane, Melissa has reached the Bahamas, lashing the archipelago with 150 km/h winds and severe storm surges. The Bahamian government ordered evacuations from six islands, relocating around 1,500 people before air traffic was suspended.
The US National Hurricane Centre (NHC) confirmed that Hurricane Melissa has regained strength to Category 2 status, with sustained winds reaching 165 km/h. The storm is now tracking toward Bermuda in the North Atlantic, where authorities are on high alert.
Meteorologists and disaster response teams continue to monitor the situation closely, warning that even though the storm has moved offshore, it remains a serious threat due to its changing path and intensity.
