Hurricane Melissa Unleashes Catastrophic Fury Across Caribbean; Massive International Aid Mobilized
A devastating Category 5 Hurricane Melissa has carved a path of destruction across the Caribbean, leaving a trail of catastrophic damage, loss of life, and widespread displacement. The storm, one of the most intense ever recorded in the Atlantic, made landfall in Jamaica with unprecedented ferocity before striking Cuba and impacting other nations in the region. Relief efforts are now underway, with a significant influx of international aid attempting to address the immense humanitarian crisis unfolding across the Caribbean.
Catastrophic Landfall and Devastation
Hurricane Melissa, packing sustained winds of up to 185 mph (295 km/h) and measured wind gusts reaching an astonishing 252 mph (406 km/h), made its initial catastrophic landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025. This marked the strongest hurricane to ever make landfall on the island, surpassing Hurricane Gilbert in 1988. The storm’s immense power led to widespread destruction of infrastructure, homes, and agricultural lands. In Jamaica, the death toll has tragically risen to 45, with 15 individuals still missing and concerns that the number of fatalities may increase as access to more remote areas improves. Over 120,000 households are in urgent need of repairs, and approximately 1.6 million people have been affected by the storm’s wrath. The total damage in Jamaica is estimated to be nearly $9 billion, making it the costliest storm in the island’s history and equivalent to 41% of the country’s GDP.
Following its devastating impact on Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa, though weakened to a Category 3, continued its destructive path into eastern Cuba on October 29. The storm inundated parts of the island with significant rainfall, leading to flooding and landslides. In Cuba, an estimated 53,000 people have been displaced, and over 76,700 homes have been affected, with many suffering severe damage to their roofs. Hundreds of healthcare facilities, including 642 in Cuba, were severely damaged, significantly disrupting essential health services. The Cauto River overflowed, and multiple dams reported substantial rainfall, exacerbating the flooding in affected provinces like Santiago de Cuba and Granma.
Haiti also experienced severe consequences, with torrential rains, widespread flooding, and landslides causing at least 43 deaths and seven people missing, despite not suffering a direct hit. In the Dominican Republic, overflowing rivers triggered landslides, and in the Bahamas, strong winds and storm surges caused damage to infrastructure and power outages.
Escalating Health and Protection Risks
The immediate aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has brought escalating health and protection risks to the affected populations. Damaged sanitation systems, spoiled food supplies, and prolonged power outages are creating fertile ground for the spread of water- and vector-borne diseases. Hundreds of healthcare facilities across the Caribbean have been damaged, further straining an already vulnerable health infrastructure and limiting access to essential medical services. The displacement of over 770,000 people across Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti underscores the immense scale of the humanitarian challenge.
International Relief Efforts Mobilize
In response to the widespread devastation, an unprecedented international relief effort has been mobilized. The United States has pledged nearly $37 million in assistance, with an initial $24 million directed towards Jamaica, Haiti, the Bahamas, and Cuba for shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene, food, and emergency healthcare. This includes the deployment of Disaster Assistance Recovery Teams and urban search-and-rescue teams to assess needs and provide immediate support.
Canada has announced over $11 million in humanitarian aid, including $7 million in direct funding for emergency relief efforts in Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti, and an additional $6 million for long-term recovery and preparedness in Jamaica. Canada is also matching donations to the Canadian Red Cross’s Hurricane Melissa Appeal up to $1.5 million to support critical humanitarian needs.
The Barbados Defence Force has deployed its field medical hospital to western Jamaica as part of “Operation Helping Hands” to provide emergency healthcare, surgical, and primary care services. Other countries and organizations, including the Cayman Islands, are contributing essential supplies and support. The United Nations and its partners are actively involved, coordinating government-led responses, distributing aid, and supporting efforts to restore essential services. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has provided millions from its Central Emergency Fund to Haiti and Cuba.
Rebuilding Agriculture and Addressing Price Gouging
The agricultural sector, a vital component of the Caribbean economy and lifestyle, has suffered immense losses. In Jamaica, agricultural losses are estimated at J$29.5 billion. In response, Jamaica has announced a $3 billion recovery plan for farmers, which includes immediate measures like distributing seeds and providing free land preparation services. The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is providing on-the-ground technical support and conducting damage assessments.
In Jamaica, authorities have declared a “threatened area” and issued a Trade Order to prohibit retailers from increasing prices on essential goods, aiming to prevent price gouging during the recovery period. Retailers found in violation face significant penalties. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has emphasized a “zero tolerance” policy for exploiting citizens during this crisis.
As the news of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation unfolds, the international community’s response underscores a commitment to supporting the resilience and recovery of the Caribbean nations. The path ahead involves a monumental task of rebuilding, addressing long-term vulnerabilities, and preparing for the increasing intensity of climate-related disasters.