Hurricane Melissa moved out of the Caribbean on Friday after days of destruction that left about 50 people dead in Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba. The storm struck Jamaica on Tuesday as a category five hurricane, cutting power to more than 60% of the country and knocking nearly half of the water systems offline. In Black River, in southwest Jamaica, officials reported up to 90% of structures lost their roofs, with downed lines and damaged buildings. A study by Imperial College London found human-caused climate change made the storm four times more likely.
Jamaica confirmed 19 deaths and warned the figure could rise. Haiti reported at least 31 deaths, 21 missing and about 15,800 people in shelters. Cuba reported no deaths as of Friday after evacuating more than 735,000 residents, although flooding persisted and rescues continued along the Cauto River after about 380 millimeters of rain. Jamaica said a catastrophe bond issued in 2024 will provide $150 million in protection through 2027 and that a payout was triggered. Officials urged donors to use the government portal and watch for scams.
Jamaica confirmed 19 deaths and warned the figure could rise. Haiti reported at least 31 deaths, 21 missing and about 15,800 people in shelters. Cuba reported no deaths as of Friday after evacuating more than 735,000 residents, although flooding persisted and rescues continued along the Cauto River after about 380 millimeters of rain. Jamaica said a catastrophe bond issued in 2024 will provide $150 million in protection through 2027 and that a payout was triggered. Officials urged donors to use the government portal and watch for scams.
