Hurricane Melissa Devastates Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba, Causes Dozens of Deaths, Widespread Damage

Hurricane Melissa, a devastating Category 5 storm, has caused widespread destruction and significant loss of life across Haiti, Jamaica, and Cuba. Haiti reported at least 25 fatalities with many homes collapsing due to flooding, particularly in southern seaside communities like Petit-Goâve, where entire families were lost. In Jamaica, the southern coastal area of Black River was identified as "ground zero," with up to 90% of homes losing roofs, extensive flooding, and at least four deaths reported; the island suffered massive infrastructure damage leaving 77% without power and costing an estimated $22 billion in damages. Cuba, though severely impacted with over 735,000 evacuees, avoided fatalities due to effective preparation and discipline, with Santiago de Cuba experiencing the most severe effects. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness described the scenes as heartbreaking but praised the resilience and determination of affected communities, acknowledging the long recovery ahead that could take a decade or more. Satellite and aerial images depict flattened homes, downed power lines, and widespread flooding, highlighting the immense scale of devastation across the Caribbean region.