Category 5 Hurricane Melissa Unleashes Catastrophe Across Jamaica and Haiti Amidst Regional Migration Crisis Discussions
Port of Spain, Trinidad / Kingston, Jamaica / Port-au-Prince, Haiti – October 24, 2025 – The Caribbean region is grappling with the dual impacts of catastrophic natural disaster and pressing geopolitical concerns this week. Tropical Storm Melissa, which rapidly intensified into a formidable Category 5 hurricane, has brought widespread destruction to Jamaica and Haiti, causing immense flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage. Concurrently, the complex issue of regional migration has come to the forefront, with Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister urging CARICOM nations to bolster cooperation on the Venezuelan migrant crisis and the repatriation of detained nationals.
Storm’s Rapid Intensification and Path
Tropical Storm Melissa emerged in the central Caribbean Sea around October 21-23, 2025, initially showing signs of disorganization. However, over exceptionally warm ocean waters, the system underwent rapid intensification, surprising forecasters and quickly escalating into a powerful hurricane. By late October, Melissa was churning as a major hurricane, with some models predicting it would reach Category 5 strength. Its slow and erratic movement over the region heightened concerns about prolonged rainfall and its devastating potential.
The storm’s trajectory placed Jamaica and the southern peninsula of Haiti directly in its path, with hurricane watches and tropical storm warnings issued for the affected areas. Forecasters warned of life-threatening flash flooding and catastrophic landslides, particularly in Haiti’s mountainous terrain. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued dire warnings about extreme rainfall totals, with some areas expected to receive up to 35 inches of rain.
Catastrophic Impact on Jamaica
On October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, marking one of the strongest hurricane landfalls on record for the island and the Atlantic basin. The hurricane brought with it winds nearing 175 mph, with some reports indicating winds close to 300 kilometers per hour (185 mph). The storm’s impact was devastating, causing “catastrophic” infrastructure damage, widespread flooding, and power outages for over 460,000 people.
Authorities reported 19 confirmed deaths in Jamaica by October 31, with widespread damage to homes and essential services. The hurricane’s slow passage over the island meant Jamaica could experience prolonged periods of hurricane-force winds and torrential rain, increasing the risk of landslides and severe storm surge along its southern coast. This event was described as the worst storm impact on Jamaica in this century, surpassing Hurricane Gilbert in 1988.
Devastation in Haiti and Flood Risks Across Hispaniola
For Haiti, Hurricane Melissa’s heavy rainfall posed a severe threat, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities due to widespread erosion and deforestation. The storm’s slow movement led to warnings of “catastrophic” flash flooding and landslides in the southwestern peninsula. By October 29, the death toll in Haiti had risen to 23, with many individuals still reported missing. The torrential rains and flooding damaged crops in key agricultural regions, threatening the food security of millions who were already experiencing crisis-level hunger.
The Dominican Republic also experienced significant rainfall, snarling traffic in the capital, Santo Domingo, and causing downed traffic lights. While specific casualty figures were less detailed, damage reports indicated that hundreds of homes were affected, and over half a million people lost access to drinking water services due to damaged infrastructure. Landslides disrupted water services and other infrastructure, with damage assessments ongoing.
Trinidad PM’s Call for Migration Cooperation
In parallel to the unfolding weather crisis, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar used recent platforms to address the escalating Venezuelan migration crisis within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Speaking on October 23, 2025, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar urged CARICOM nations to collaborate on managing the growing number of Venezuelan migrants and to press Caracas to repatriate its detained citizens. She voiced concerns that CARICOM appeared to prioritize Venezuela over Trinidad and Tobago, labelling the bloc as an “unreliable partner” in this regard.
The Prime Minister highlighted the strain that tens of thousands of undocumented Venezuelan immigrants were placing on Trinidad and Tobago’s services, alongside rising crime rates. Trinidad and Tobago began a review of all undocumented migrants, signaling potential large-scale deportations, a move that followed a diplomatic dispute with Venezuela. Despite regional tensions, Persad-Bissessar reiterated Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to defending fellow CARICOM member Guyana should it face invasion from Venezuela.
Jamaican Parliament Disruptions Amidst Storm Warnings
Further complicating the regional news cycle, a political incident unfolded in Jamaica just days before Melissa’s landfall. On October 21, 2025, Opposition Leader Mark Golding led his party’s legislators in a walkout from the House of Representatives. The protest stemmed from disagreements with House Speaker Juliet Holness, who repeatedly prevented Opposition Members of Parliament from asking questions related to Environment Minister Matthew Samuda’s statement on the approaching tropical storm. The Opposition accused the Speaker of silencing their voices and undermining parliamentary procedure, while Holness defended her rulings, deeming the walkout a “breach of parliamentary decorum”.
Long-Term Recovery and Addressing Migration
As the Caribbean begins to assess the full extent of Hurricane Melissa’s damage, the long road to recovery is just beginning. The UN estimates that Melissa affected over 5 million people across Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti, causing extensive destruction to infrastructure and essential services. Beyond the immediate humanitarian aid, the region faces the monumental task of rebuilding communities and economies devastated by the powerful storm.
In tandem with disaster recovery, the complexities of regional migration require sustained attention. CARICOM continues to work on developing a comprehensive Regional Migration Policy Framework, aiming to enhance cooperation and governance on migration issues across the islands. The ongoing discussions and pilot programs for free movement within CARICOM highlight the bloc’s efforts to foster deeper integration, even as member states navigate distinct challenges like the Venezuelan crisis and the immediate aftermath of a major hurricane.
The convergence of a severe natural disaster and ongoing diplomatic and political challenges underscores the multifaceted resilience required across the Caribbean today. The region’s ability to navigate these concurrent crises will be crucial for its future stability and prosperity.