Hurricane Melissa’s death toll rose to 49 as reported on Thursday, following widespread devastation in the northern Caribbean and acceleration past Bermuda in the North Atlantic. Haiti, despite not being directly hit, endured heavy rainfall from the slow-moving storm, with at least 30 confirmed fatalities and 20 individuals still missing. In the southern town of Petit-Goave, Haiti, 23 people, including 10 children, lost their lives as a result of a river overflowing, causing damage to roads, residences, and agricultural lands.
Jamaica’s information minister verified 19 deaths, with ongoing search and rescue operations in progress. The storm caused extensive power outages, structural damage, and debris scattering across fields in Jamaica. The military in Jamaica has mobilized reserve forces to assist in relief and rescue missions.
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in southwestern Jamaica as a potent Category 5 hurricane, marking the nation’s most severe storm on record and the first major hurricane since 1988. The storm’s wind speeds exceeded the threshold for the highest hurricane classification, ranking as the second strongest Atlantic hurricane based on historical wind speeds upon landfall. AccuWeather forecasters estimated the total damage and economic impact in the western Caribbean to range between $67 and $72 billion.
While also impacting eastern Cuba, where around 735,000 people were evacuated, no casualties were reported as of Thursday, despite severe property and agricultural destruction. As of 11 p.m. local time, Hurricane Melissa was a Category 2 storm situated 264 kilometers west of Bermuda, with sustained winds reaching 161 km/h according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.
Bermuda residents remained composed as the storm veered away from the island. Precautionary measures were taken, including the closure of the causeway and suspension of school and ferry services. In the Bahamas, where Hurricane Melissa passed through on Wednesday night, storm warnings were lifted, but the “all clear” had not been issued. Authorities were deliberating on the safety of allowing evacuated individuals to return to their homes by Saturday.
