The death toll from Hurricane Melissa is growing as the powerful storm moves across the Bahamas after leaving a trail of “catastrophic” destruction across Jamaica and parts of Cuba.
Authorities in Haiti said that at least 25 people, including children, have been killed. In Jamaica, at least eight people have been killed. One death has also been reported in the Dominican Republic. That would bring the current known death toll from the hurricane to 34 across the Caribbean.
It’s expected that the extent of Hurricane Melissa’s damage will be clearer in the coming days as authorities work to reach the hardest-hit areas.
Hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated to shelters ahead of the arrival of the “extremely dangerous” storm, with a hurricane warning put in place for Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, as well as the southeastern and central Bahamas.
Hurricane Melissa was a Category 5 storm at its peak, and one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record. Now, it has been downgraded to a Category 1 storm with 90 mph winds, according to the National Hurricane Center.
Key Points
- Hurricane Melissa death toll surpasses 30
- Hurricane Melissa to hit the Bahamas later Wednesday
- In pictures: Hurricane Melissa aftermath in Jamaica
- Hurricane Melissa mapped: Follow the path of the 'world's worst storm' this year
The deadly combination that made Hurricane Melissa so devastating
03:00 , James C. ReynoldsHurricane Melissa made landfall on Cuba early on Wednesday after devastating swathes of Jamaica with violent 185mph winds.
Experts say that the storm’s powerful winds and its slow pace, likely exacerbated by climate change, have allowed a huge hurricane to linger in the region for maximum damage.
Keep reading:
The deadly combination that made Hurricane Melissa so devastating
Hurricane Melissa battering Bahamas with 'damaging winds and flooding rains'
02:56 , Shweta SharmaHurricane Melissa is currently pounding the Bahamas with "damaging winds, flooding rains, and a dangerous storm surge", the National Hurricane Center said.
Melissa is expected to continue to move across the southeastern or central Bahamas this evening, and is forecast to pass near or to the west of Bermuda late Thursday and Thursday night, it said.
Dozens of people have already been evacuated from the archipelago’s southeast corner, where conditions have rapidly deteriorated amid widespread power outages and communications breakdowns.
Mapped: Hurricane Melissa's forecasted path
02:30 , Katie HawkinsonHurricane Melissa is forecasted to continue moving across the Bahamas on Wednesday evening and pass near Bermuda late Thursday, the National Hurricane Center said.
See the storm’s path below:
Towns underwater, 185mph winds and half a million without power: Hurricane Melissa’s path of destruction devastates Jamaica
02:00 , Maryam Zakir-HussainThe world’s strongest storm of the year has torn through Jamaica with 185mph winds and flash flooding, causing widespread devastation.
Whole towns have been left underwater, one of the island’s airports has been flooded, and more than half a million people are without power. Tens of thousands of tourists remain stranded, including 8,000 Britons, with thousands of locals in shelters.
Footage of the damage to the airport in Montego Bay showed seating areas ripped up, broken glass and collapsed ceilings after the category 5 storm hit. Four hospitals were damaged, at least one with its roof torn off, trees were uprooted, and roads were deluged overnight.
Keep reading:
‘Storm of the century’ Hurricane Melissa’s 185mph path of destruction ravages Jamaica
Moment Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba captured in satellite imagery
01:40 , Katie Hawkinson
Moment Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba captured in satellite imagery
'People have lost everything,' Haiti resident says
01:20 , Katie HawkinsonCharly Saint-Vil, a 30-year-old resident of Petit-Goâve, Haiti, told the Associated Press that “people have lost everything.”
Hurricane Melissa killed at least 20 people, including children, in Saint-Vil’s hometown. Haitian officials have reported at least 25 deaths overall.
Saint-Vil explained that he’s hosting several people who lost their homes in the storm.
“What I can do, I will do it, but it’s not easy because the situation is really complicated for everyone,” he said.
Video: Aerial footage shows devastating extent of Hurricane Melissa's destruction
01:00 , Katie HawkinsonIn pictures: Hurricane Melissa floods homes in Cuba
00:40 , Katie Hawkinson
What watches and warnings are in effect?
00:20 , Katie HawkinsonAs of Wednesday at 8 p.m., a Hurricane Warning is in effect for:
- Southeastern and Central Bahamas
- Bermuda
A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:
- Turks and Caicos Islands
The National Hurricane Center has warned that residents in the Bahamas should remain sheltered, and that preparations in Bermuda should be completed before tropical-storm-force winds arrive.
Forecasters release update as Hurricane Melissa moves across the Bahamas
00:03 , Katie HawkinsonHurricane Melissa is moving across the Bahamas as a Category 1 storm with 90 mph winds this evening, according to an 8 p.m. update from the National Hurricane Center.
“On the forecast track, the core of Melissa is expected to continue to move across the southeastern or central Bahamas this evening, and is forecast to pass near or to the west of Bermuda late Thursday and Thursday night,” the agency said.
The storm is expected to restrengthen this evening, before weakening again tomorrow.
Hurricane Melissa death toll surpasses 30
Wednesday 29 October 2025 23:45 , Katie HawkinsonThe death toll from Hurricane Melissa has reached at least 34, according to the latest counts from local officials.
At least 25 people, including children, have been killed in Haiti, local officials said on Wednesday night. At least eight people have also been killed in Jamaica, and one death was reported in the Dominican Republic.
Hurricane Melissa kills at least 25 people in Haiti
Wednesday 29 October 2025 23:30 , Katie HawkinsonHaiti’s Civil Protection Agency said Wednesday that at least 25 people, including at least ten children, have died and 18 people are missing, the Associated Press reports.
Twenty of the deaths happened in Petit-Goâve, where an overflowing river caused widespread flooding, the agency said.
Reminder: Hurricane Melissa a record storm for Jamaica
Wednesday 29 October 2025 23:16 , Mike BediganHurricane Melissa was the strongest storm to hit Jamaica since record-keeping began 174 years ago.
It tore off roofs and caused fallen trees, landslides and heavy flooding, resulting in at least eight deaths.
As of Wednesday, more than 25,000 people were packed into shelters, and the country’s education minister said 77 percent of the island was without power.
U.S. disaster relief workers en route to the Caribbean: report
Wednesday 29 October 2025 22:55 , Mike BediganDozens of U.S. disaster relief workers, including urban search and rescue teams, are en route to the Caribbean to help local communities with the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa.
Disaster Assistance Response Team personnel from Washington and regional hubs in Miami and Costa Rica as well as the urban search and rescue crews from Los Angeles County, California, and Fairfax County, Virginia, are en route to the region, three State Department officials told The Associated Press.
They are expected to arrive in the next 24 to 48 hours and join up with local staff in Jamaica, the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic, where they will be based to offer help in neighboring Haiti, per AP.
Dozens evacuated from Bahamas as Melissa approaches
Wednesday 29 October 2025 22:34 , Mike BediganDozens of people in the southeast of the Bahamas are being evacuated as Hurricane Melissa bears down on the archipelago.
“We’ve had about five flights so far,” said Alex Storr, executive chairman of the Bahamas’ Disaster Management Authority, adding that officials expect at least four more flights later Wednesday.
Melissa is expected to cut through the southeast Bahamas Wednesday evening and through to the morning.
In pictures: Drone footage shows devastation across Jamaica
Wednesday 29 October 2025 22:10 , Mike Bedigan
Hurricane Melissa tracker: Where will storm head next after devastating Cuba and Jamaica?
Wednesday 29 October 2025 21:53 , Mike Bedigan
Hurricane Melissa tracker: Where will storm go after devastating Cuba and Jamaica?
Recap: Hurricane Melissa continues on to the Bahamas
Wednesday 29 October 2025 21:38 , Mike BediganOn Wednesday Hurricane Melissa smashed through Cuba after laying waste to Jamaica, leaving thousands without power and multiple casualties. It has arrived in the Bahamas and is expected to hit Bermuda Thursday.
Here’s a recap, following the National Hurricane’s Center’s 5 p.m. update:
- Over 50 casualties have been reported across the Caribbean, including four in Jamaica, one in the Dominican Republic and dozens in Haiti, including children, after a river burst its banks.
- As of Wednesday evening the Cuban government discontinued all hurricane and tropical storm warnings for their Cuban provinces. A tropical storm warning in effect for Haiti has also been discontinued.
- Hurricane warnings are in effect for the southeastern and central Bahamas and Bermuda, and a tropical storm warning is in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands.
- Airports in Jamaica are expected to reopen for relief and commercial flights in the next 48 hours, the country’s transport minister has said.
- Over 70 percent of Jamaica was left without power following Melissa’s destruction earlier this week, island officials said.
Jamaica's three airports to reopen for flights and relief
Wednesday 29 October 2025 21:20 , Mike BediganJamaica’s three international airports will reopen within the next 48 hours to provide relief and evacuation flights, the country’s transport minister has said.
Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston will be accepting relief flights by 4 p.m. local time Wednesday, Daryl Vaz wrote on X.
Commercial flights from the airport are scheduled resume at 7 a.m. Thursday.
Ian Fleming International Airport on the island’s northeast coast will open Thursday at 7 a.m. for commercial flights.
Sangster Airport in the north of Jamaica will reopen for relief flights at 10 a.m. Thursday, Vaz added, with commercial flights to be determined “following completion of assessment.”
Sangster was reported to have sustained heavy damage, including to its departures lounge during the storm Tuesday.
Melissa starting to accelerate over Bahamas
Wednesday 29 October 2025 21:00 , Mike BediganHurricane Melissa is beginning to to accelerate northeastward over the Bahamas, according to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center.
The agency warns that damaging winds, flooding rains and a dangerous storm surge will continue in the area throughout Wednesday night.
'Do not take comfort from storm downgrade,' warns Bahamas minister
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:47 , Mike BediganA Minister for the Bahamas has warned that residents should “not take comfort” in the downgrading of Hurricane Melissa from a Category 5 storm to Category 2.
Leon Lundy, Minister of State with Responsibility for Disaster Risk Management Leon Lundy urged residents to remain on alert and sheltered Wednesday, saying that the “danger has not passed”.
“While the storm has lessened in strength, it remains a serious and dangerous system,” he told reporters.
“Category two winds and the threat of flooding still poses real risk to life, and we remain vigilant and on high alert. No one should take comfort in the downgrade. The danger has not passed.”
'Trying to figure out how to pick up the pieces': Jamaica natives assess destruction
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:31 , Mike BediganJamaican residents have described their heartbreak in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.
“I’m looking at my house, and so many things have blown away,” Empress Thandi Wise told The Associated Press Wednesday.
“Windows are out, doors are out. I’m just trying to figure out how to pick up the pieces. Everything is wet.”
Wise and her family, including her elderly mother and 12-year-old daughter, sheltered at a friend’s house during the storm and haven’t been able to get to the wellness center and yoga studio she runs on the other side of town.
Updated death toll from Hurricane Melissa
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:15 , Mike BediganHurricane Melissa has now left at least 49 people dead across Caribbean, and officials say they expect numbers to rise.
Authorities in Haiti said that at least 40 people, including children, had died after a river burst its banks in the costal town of Petit-Goâve. 10 more are still missing.
At least eight people are believed to have been killed in Jamaica, including an infant who was killed by a falling tree.
One person is dead in the Dominican Republic, with another missing.
Farmer rescues his dog in Santiago de Cuba
Wednesday 29 October 2025 20:01 , Mike BediganOver 70 patients being relocated from Jamaica hospital
Wednesday 29 October 2025 19:42 , Mike BediganApproximately 71 patients at Black River hospital in St Elizabeth in Jamaica are being relocated after power to the facility was cut off by Hurricane Melissa.
Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton said arrangements to move the patients were being made with the Jamaica Defence Force and the National Water Commission.
Tufton added that he and his team will be spending the day assessing conditions along the coastlines, where patient evacuation are already underway.
Death toll in Haiti rises to at least 40
Wednesday 29 October 2025 19:25 , Mike BediganAt least 40 people have died across Haiti, due to Hurricane Melissa,
Steven Aristil, with Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency, told The Associated Press that 20 of those deaths were reported in the southern coastal town of Petit-Goâve.
Another 10 people remain missing in the area.
The number of dead and missing in Haiti often fluctuate in the early days following major natural disasters.
Aristil told AP that officials expect the death toll to keep rising as as heavy rains persist.
Watch: Jamaica police work to clear fallen trees after Hurricane Melissa devastation
Wednesday 29 October 2025 19:06 , Mike BediganDangerous storm surge and flooding expected in the Bahamas tonight
Wednesday 29 October 2025 18:53 , Mike BediganThe National Hurricane Center said it expects damaging winds, flooding Rains, and a dangerous storm surge in the Bahamas throughout Wednesday night.
Similar conditions are also expected during the afternoon in eastern Cuba.
In pictures: Aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in Haiti
Wednesday 29 October 2025 18:42 , Mike Bedigan
Four more bodies found in Jamaica
Wednesday 29 October 2025 18:32 , Mike BediganThe bodies of four more people have been found in southwest Jamaica, authorities have said.
Police Superintendent Coleridge Minto confirmed the news to Nationwide News Network radio station on Wednesday.
Two of the bodies washed ashore in the Black River community and have not been identified.
The bodies of a 35-year-old man and a 64-year-old man were found in Galleon Beach in the southern parish of St. Elizabeth, Minto said, though their names have not been released publicly.
The current official death toll in Jamaica now stands at eight, though authorities are investigating the possibility of more.
In pictures: Children and other residents evacuated from Cuba ahead of Melissa's arrival
Wednesday 29 October 2025 18:20 , Mike Bedigan
Death toll from Melissa hits double digits across the Caribbean
Wednesday 29 October 2025 18:00 , Mike BediganThe death toll from Hurricane Melissa has entered double digits, as the powerful storm nears the Bahamas after leaving a trail of destruction across Jamaica and parts of Cuba.
Authorities in Haiti said that at least 25 people, including children, had died after a river burst its banks in the costal town of Petit-Goâve. At least four people are believed to have been killed in Jamaica, as well as one in the Dominican Republic.
International visitors to Jamaica are safe, tourism minister says
Wednesday 29 October 2025 17:53 , Mike BediganAll international visitors who rode out Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica have been accounted for and are in good health, the island’s tourism minister has said.
Around 25,000 tourists were in Jamaica as the storm hit Tuesday, according to Edmund Bartlett.
Two tourists suffered “minor lacerations” from falling debris and another suffered a stroke, but “the medical condition of everybody is in good order,” he said.
Bartlett added that Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston may reopen on Wednesday for relief flights and humanitarian aid. Flights to evacuate guests should be operational from Thursday.
Sangster International Airport, which sustained heavy damage remains closed. Bartlett said he intended to visit the airport and hoped it would also soon resume flights.
At least three babies born during Hurricane Melissa
Wednesday 29 October 2025 17:42 , Mike BediganThree “Melissa” babies were safely born in Jamaica as the storm battered the island Tuesday, authorities have said.
“You know, Jamaicans, in the middle of all of this, a baby was safely delivered under emergency conditions,” Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie told reporters Wednesday.
He compared the infant to other “Gilbert babies” – delivered during Hurricane Gilbert in 1988.
McKenzie’s office confirmed that two other babies were also delivered during the storm.
Melissa's path moving towards the Bahamas
Wednesday 29 October 2025 17:30 , Mike Bedigan
Hurricane Melissa has now cleared Cuba
Wednesday 29 October 2025 17:18 , Mike BediganThe eye of Melissa has now cleared Cuba, though threats of hurricane conditions still remain warned Michael Brennan, the director of the National Hurricane Center.
Hurricane conditions are ongoing for southeastern Cuba, and up to 25 inches of rain was still expected,
Severe flash flooding and landslides are still a possibility, Brennan warned Wednesday.
U.S. sending rescue teams and supplies to the Caribbean
Wednesday 29 October 2025 17:06 , Mike BediganThe U.S. is sending rescue teams and supplies to parts of the Caribbean affected by Hurricane Melissa, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said.
“The United States is in close contact with the governments of Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic and The Bahamas as they confront the devastating impacts of Hurricane Melissa,” Rubio wrote on X.
“We have rescue and response teams heading to affected areas along with critical lifesaving supplies. Our prayers are with the people of the Caribbean.”
The United States is in close contact with the governments of Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic and The Bahamas as they confront the devastating impacts of Hurricane Melissa. We have rescue and response teams heading to affected areas along with critical lifesaving supplies.…
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) October 29, 2025
NHC Director says Melissa to hit the Bahamas later today
Wednesday 29 October 2025 16:55 , Mike BediganNational Hurricane Center Director Dr Michael Brennan has said that Melissa will reach the Bahamas by later in the day Wednesday.
However, he noted that the system’s forward speed will continue to increase so is likely will be pulling away from the islands by tomorrow.
Brennan added that the storm would be near to Bermuda by Thursday day and into the night, as well as lingering through Friday morning.
“Life-threatening” conditions are ongoing, he said.
Recap: Hurricane Melissa continues to barrel through the Caribbean
Wednesday 29 October 2025 16:46 , Mike BediganOn Wednesday Hurricane Melissa smashed through Cuba after laying waste to Jamaica, leaving thousands without power and multiple casualties. It is expected to arrive in the Bahamas shortly.
Here’s a recap, following the National Hurricane’s Center’s 11 a.m. update:
- Dozens of casualties have been reported across the Caribbean, including four in Jamaica, including an infant, one in the Dominican Republic and dozens in Haiti, after a river burst its banks.
- Melissa has moved on through Cuba, weakening to a Category 2, though “life-threatening” storm surge, flash flooding and landslides, remain possible.
- Catastrophic flash flooding and landslides are expected across portions of Haiti and the Dominican Republic through Wednesday. In Haiti, extensive damage and isolation of communities is likely.
- Hurricane conditions, life-threatening storm surge. and heavy rainfall are expected across portions of the southeastern and central Bahamas today. Almost all flights out of the main airport in Turks and Caicos were cancelled.
- Hurricane conditions and heavy rainfall are expected in Bermuda beginning late Thursday and continuing through Thursday night.
- Over 70 percent of Jamaica has been left without power following Melissa’s destruction earlier this week, island officials said.
Hurricane predictions remarkably accurate despite NOAA cuts
Wednesday 29 October 2025 16:36 , Mike BediganForecaster predictions on the path and severity of Hurricane Melissa have been remarkably accurate, despite cuts to NOAA programs, including the National Hurricane Center.
CNN notes the NHC had a three-day lead time in predicting that Melissa would rapidly intensify, when the system was not yet classified as a hurricane.
The agency also predicted that Melissa would reach Category 5 at least 36 hours beforehand, when it was still only Category 1.
Predictions that the storm would come ashore in western Jamaica as a Category 4 storm were also correct, four days before it happened – and the forecast track was ultimately only 13 miles off.
Jamaican government minister says he has not received reports of any deaths
Wednesday 29 October 2025 16:28 , Mike BediganDesmond McKenzie, Jamaica’s Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, has said he has not yet received reports of deaths related to Hurricane Melissa.
“We are not in a position to speak about any deaths because we have not had any reports of any deaths so far, so we cannot presume that there are deaths,” he told reporters Wednesday.
“I am hoping there are no deaths to report on.”
The Associated Press has reported at least eight deaths, including one infant, on the island as well as dozens across the Caribbean,
Drone footage shows damage to coastal homes in Alligator Pond, Jamaica
Wednesday 29 October 2025 16:17 , Mike Bedigan
Residents of Guantanamo Bay remain sheltered in place
Wednesday 29 October 2025 16:06 , Mike BediganAround 3,000 residents in Guantanamo Bay remained sheltered in place Wednesday as Hurricane Melissa battered Cuba.
Those living at the U.S. naval base holed up in shelters set up at a school, fitness center and other public buildings.
“Everybody’s safe, as far as we know,” Stephen Strickland told The New York Times, speaking from the base’s headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida.
The status of the infamous Guantanamo Bay prison, which currently houses 15 wartime detainees and their guards, was not immediately clear.
In pictures: More destruction in Montego Bay, Jamaica
Wednesday 29 October 2025 15:53 , Mike Bedigan
Melissa knocks out power for 70% of Jamaica
Wednesday 29 October 2025 15:43 , Mike BediganCrews have begun restoring telecommunications services across Jamaica, after the storm knocked out power for 70 percent of the island.
Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaica’s information minister, said the western part of the country had been hardest hit by the blackouts.
“I know so many people have said they cannot reach their families in western Jamaica. That’s because of damage to the telecoms infrastructure,” Morris Dixon said Wednesday.
The deadly combination that made Hurricane Melissa so devastating
Wednesday 29 October 2025 15:30 , Mike BediganHurricane Melissa made landfall on Cuba early on Wednesday after devastating swathes of Jamaica with violent 185mph winds.
More than 700,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in Cuba as the Caribbean island of Jamaica reeled from an estimated $22 billion (£16.6 billion) worth of damage, with towns submerged and homes blown apart.
Read more here from James Reynolds:
The deadly combination that made Hurricane Melissa so devastating
In pictures: Devastation in Santiago de Cuba
Wednesday 29 October 2025 15:12 , Mike Bedigan
BREAKING: 25 people die in Haiti after flooding caused by Melissa
Wednesday 29 October 2025 15:00 , Mike BediganTwenty five people have died in southern Haiti after a river flooded by Hurricane Melissa burst its banks, local officials have said.
The Associated Press confirmed the news, which brings the death toll across the Caribbean into double digits.
Jean Bertrand Subrème, mayor of the coastal town of Petit-Goâve, said the tragedy occurred after La Digue river burst its banks and flooded nearby homes.
Dozens of homes collapse and people remain trapped under the rubble, he said, adding: “I am overwhelmed by the situation.”
Landfall in Cuba poses threat of life-threatening flooding and mudslides, says expert
Wednesday 29 October 2025 14:56 , James ReynoldsRainfall brought on by Hurricane Melissa’s landfall in Cuba poses a threat of potentially life-threatening flooding and mudslides, an expert has warned.
Alex DaSilva, lead hurricane expert at AccuWeather, told The Independent that Melissa had regained some of its strength overnight as it left Jamaica, bringing with it heavy rainfall.
“The storm lost wind intensity as it interacted with the mountains of Southeast Cuba, but the forced upward motion of the air over the mountainous terrain is squeezing out tremendous amounts of rainfall,” he explained. “Life-threatening flooding and mudslides can happen in a matter of minutes with this much rain, especially near steep terrain.”
Infant killed by falling tree in Jamaica
Wednesday 29 October 2025 14:41 , Mike BediganA falling tree killed an infant in Jamaica marking the first official death during Hurricane Melissa, and bringing the total death count to eight.
Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, a state minister in the prime minister’s office, confirmed the youngster’s death to Nationwide News Network, a local radio station.
Seven others have also died, though during storm preparation.
As well as the four deaths recorded in Jamaica, there have been three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, where another person remains missing.
Fitz-Henley said most of the destruction is concentrated in Jamaica’s southwest and northwest regions.
“Take heart. It could have been worse,” he said as he acknowledged pressing needs in that area. “I know people have suffered significant devastation.”
Hurricane Melissa will remain destructive as it reaches Bahamas, expert warns
Wednesday 29 October 2025 14:21 , James ReynoldsHurricane Melissa will continue to lose wind intensity as it interacts with the mountains of Cuba, but will remain destructive as it passes through the Bahamas, an expert has warned.
Alex DaSilva, lead hurricane expert at AccuWeather, told The Independent that some islands closest to the eye of the storm face wind gusts above 120mph, several feet of storm surge, and heavy rain.
“Hurricane Melissa will gain some forward speed as it passes through the Bahamas and into the Atlantic, after slowly crawling through the Caribbean for days,” he said.
At least four major Jamaican hospitals significantly damaged by Melissa
Wednesday 29 October 2025 14:15 , Mike BediganAt least four major hospitals have been significantly damaged by Hurricane Melissa.
Affected are Noel Holmes in Hanover, Black River in St Elizabeth, Cornwall Regional in St James, and Falmouth in Trelawny.
Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton said that the damage at the Cornwall Regional Hospital was limited to the nurses' quarters, which have since been converted for other use.
"So they are doing some relocation and in some instances waiting on the rain to relocate others," he told The Jamaica Star.
"A lot is happening and it's unfolding as we speak, so it's hard to give specifics.”
US evacuates over 1,000 American citizens from Guantanamo Bay
Wednesday 29 October 2025 14:05 , Maira ButtAround 1,000 US citizens were evacuated from Guantanamo Bay ahead of Hurricane Melissa making landfall on Wednesday.
Non-essential military personnel and their families and pets were flown to safety, with the remaining 3,000 residents were moved to shelters, according to the New York Times.
Thousands of Britons stranded as Hurricane Melissa wreaks havoc on Jamaica
Wednesday 29 October 2025 13:45 , Maira ButtThousands of British tourists remain stranded in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes in history, wreaked havoc on the Caribbean island.
As many as 8,000 British citizens are in the country, with people ordered to stay inside to avoid the world’s strongest storm of the year so far, which left “catastrophic winds” and “flash flooding” in its wake.
British tourists stranded as Jamaica left reeling by Hurricane Melissa
How Hurricane Melissa could turn US soldiers’ attention from bombing ‘drug boats’ to humanitarian aid
Wednesday 29 October 2025 13:23 , Maira ButtPresident Donald Trump’s military campaign against alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean may soon clash with U.S. humanitarian efforts as Hurricane Melissa rips across Jamaica as one of the most powerful storms on record, according to a report.
Eight warships carrying about 6,000 troops and several dozen aircraft are currently assembled in the region as the Trump administration targets alleged drug smuggling boats with strikes that have killed over 50 people since early September.
Hurricane Melissa could turn US attention from ‘drug boats’ to humanitarian aid
Watch: Holidaymakers film from inside emergency shelter as Hurricane Melissa batters Jamaica
Wednesday 29 October 2025 13:02 , Maira Butt'Most of the destruction is from the water', warns climate expert
Wednesday 29 October 2025 12:45 , Maira Butt“Property damage from flooding and winds is a given, and severe loss of life looks probable as well,” Max Dugan-Knight, a climate data scientist at Deep Sky tells The Independent.
“One key factor I will be paying attention to is the storm surge - the rapid increase of sea level during the storm.
“This can flatten entire neighbourhoods. Storm surge in combination with enormous precipitation will bring devastating flooding.
“We hear a lot about wind damage when we discuss hurricanes -- and for sure there will be wind damage - but most of the destruction actually comes from the water.”
Frequency of storms like Hurricane Melissa to increase, says Grantham Institute academic
Wednesday 29 October 2025 12:17 , Maira ButtClimate change has impacted the intensity of Hurricane Melissa as it roars through the Caribbean.
“The Caribbean Sea surface temperature is even higher than normal, and we know that climate change has contributed to this,” said Professor Ralf Toumi, co-director of the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London.
“We also know that warmer oceans will sustain stronger storms so there is a direct connection to climate change.
“We expect the frequency of these strongest storms to increase until we can stop the warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
In pictures: Caribbean feels the effects of devastating Hurricane Melissa
Wednesday 29 October 2025 12:08 , Maira ButtHurricane Melissa has devastated the Caribbean in recent days, with destructive winds at maximum sustained speeds of up to 185mph.
The Dominican Republic and Haiti saw flash flooding and serious damage caused by torrential rain and wind.
Melissa hit eastern Cuba on Wednesday morning and is now headed towards the Bahamas.
Hurricane heading to Bahamas, warns National Hurricane Centre
Wednesday 29 October 2025 11:54 , Maira ButtMelissa is ravaging the Caribbean with devastating destruction and record-breaking winds.
The Hurricane is storming through Cuba with sustained winds of 120mph, with hundreds of thousands being forced to flee their homes.
The storm is currently 205 miles (335 kilometres) south of the Central Bahamas with maximum sustained winds of 105mph.
Watch: Jamaica left devastated by Hurricane Melissa as death toll climbs
Wednesday 29 October 2025 11:30 , Maira ButtEarly indications show Melissa is 'a disaster of unprecedented catastrophe', says British Red Cross
Wednesday 29 October 2025 11:08 , Maira ButtThe British Red Cross are waiting for dawn to break to assess the full extent of damage and casualties after Hurricane Melissa made landfall on Tuesday. However the relief group said early indications show the effects of the storm have been catastrophic.
“Early indications are that Hurricane Melissa was a disaster of unprecedented catastrophe for the island,” Alexander Pendry, the charity’s global response manager said on Wednesday.
“News is already coming through that whole communities are under water and that the damage left by the strong winds has been devastating.”
He added: “The immediate priorities are search and rescue and ensuring people have access to healthcare, safe shelter, clean water, food and other essential supplies.
“Tragically, experience tells us that the impact on communities and individuals will be shattering and long lasting. We will be here for as long as people need us.”
Hurricane Melissa tracker: Where will storm head next after devastating Cuba and Jamaica?
Wednesday 29 October 2025 10:45 , Maira ButtThe “storm of the century” is one of the most powerful in Atlantic history, and the most forceful Hurricane to ever hit Jamaica.
Melissa began as a tropical wave near West Africa, before gaining traction and blowing westward to the Caribbean. After passing over Jamaica, it made landfall in Cuba on Wednesday. It is expected to crawl across the country with destructive winds and torrential rainfall before passing over to Bermuda and the Bahamas.
Surrounding areas, including the southeastern and Central Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, could also suffer a “life-threatening storm surge” and heavy rainfall, the National Hurricane Centre said.
Hurricane Melissa tracker: Where will storm go after devastating Cuba and Jamaica?
Watch: Cuban president urges mass evacuation as Hurricane Melissa approaches
Wednesday 29 October 2025 10:28 , Maira ButtAt least 735,000 people have left their homes as Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel ordered mass evacuations across the country as Melissa made landfall on Wednesday.
'International assistance necessary' say relief agencies as local responders overwhelmed
Wednesday 29 October 2025 10:16 , Maira Butt“Disasters like this one often exceed the capacity of local responders,” said Jessica Pearl, interim director at Mercy Corps told Sky News on Wednesday.
“Having international assistance to support the local response mechanism is very important particularly on islands where the entire island is impacted.
“Supplies need to be brought in, logistical support to that country becomes very important. Having international assistance is neccessary.”
Kingston residents warned of crocodiles in floodwaters
Wednesday 29 October 2025 09:58 , Maira ButtAs floodwaters rise across Jamaica’s capital, officials in Kingston have issued an unusual warning to be beware of crocodiles.
The country’s environmental agency said the reptiles may have been swept from their natural habitats by Hurricane Melissa’s torrential rains and could appear in unexpected places, including flooded streets and yards.
Thousands of Britons stranded as Hurricane Melissa wreaks havoc on Jamaica
Wednesday 29 October 2025 09:30 , Maira ButtThousands of British tourists remain stranded in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes in history, wreaked havoc on the Caribbean island.
As many as 8,000 British citizens are in the country, with people ordered to stay inside to avoid the world’s strongest storm of the year so far, which left “catastrophic winds” and “flash flooding” in its wake.
British tourists stranded as Jamaica left reeling by Hurricane Melissa
Follow Melissa's path as devastating storm makes landfall in Cuba
Wednesday 29 October 2025 09:16 , Maira ButtWatch: Moment Hurricane Melissa tears through Jamaica’s resort town Montego Bay
Wednesday 29 October 2025 08:45 , Maira ButtHurricane Melissa makes landfall in Jamaica with 185mph winds as thousands flee homes
Wednesday 29 October 2025 08:25 , Maira ButtHeavy floodwaters swept across southwestern Jamaica, winds tore roofs off buildings and boulders tumbled into roads as the “storm of the century” made landfall over the Caribbean island of 2.8 million people.
Thousands of people were warned to flee before destructive winds, flash flooding and landslides caused catastrophic damage.
Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Jamaica with 185mph winds as thousands flee homes
'Brigades' on standby, Cuba's president assures
Wednesday 29 October 2025 08:05 , James ReynoldsBrigades have already been deployed in eastern Cuba to support anticipated recovery efforts, Cuba’s president Miguel Díaz-Canel assured before the storm made landfall.
“Multi-pronged brigades are already deployed in the eastern region of the country—that is, where the provinces most affected by the hurricane are located—to work on recovery from the damage caused by the hurricane,” the president said in a speech on Tuesday.
“There are already electricity brigades, water resources brigades, communications brigades, and construction brigades that will work together with the forces in each territory to recover from the damage."
He said UN system agencies had made aid resources available in advance.
In pictures: Cubans brace ahead of Melissa's arrival
Wednesday 29 October 2025 07:50 , James Reynolds
Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Cuba
Wednesday 29 October 2025 07:34 , James ReynoldsHurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 storm early on Wednesday, with sustained winds hitting the south of the island, according to the US National Hurricane Center.
Are you affected by Hurricane Melissa? Contact james.reynolds@independent.co.uk
Hurricane Melissa to cause landslides and weaken Cuba economically
Wednesday 29 October 2025 06:56 , Shweta SharmaHurricane Melissa barreled toward eastern Cuba, where it was expected to make landfall as a major storm after pummeling Jamaica as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record.
More than 700,000 people were evacuated in Cuba, according to president Miguel Diaz-Canel, and forecasters said the category 3 storm would unleash catastrophic damage in Santiago de Cuba and nearby areas.
A hurricane warning was in effect for the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, Holguin and Las Tunas, as well as for the southeastern and central Bahamas. A hurricane watch was in effect for Bermuda.
"Numerous landslides are likely in those areas," said Michael Brennan, director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami.
The hurricane could worsen Cuba's severe economic crisis, which has already led to prolonged power blackouts, fuel shortages and food shortages.
"There will be a lot of work to do. We know there will be a lot of damage," Dïaz-Canel said in a televised address, in which he assured that "no one is left behind and no resources are spared to protect the lives of the population."
Jamaica launches official hurricane relief portal after devastating storm
Wednesday 29 October 2025 06:30 , Shweta SharmaThe Jamaican government has unveiled an official website to coordinate relief and recovery after Hurricane Melissa tore across the island on Tuesday, leaving homes destroyed, hospitals flooded and hundreds of thousands without power.
Information minister Dana Morris Dixon said the site aims to centralise donations and real-time damage reports, warning people against fraudulent fund-raisers posing as relief drives.
Through the portal, residents can upload photos of flood damage or blocked roads to alert authorities, while an interactive shelter locator helps displaced families find refuge.
“It’s about mobilising resources – for people in Jamaica and our diaspora – to support recovery in a transparent way,” Dixon said.
The site also lists urgent needs for the roughly 400,000 people affected, including shelter materials, hygiene kits, medical supplies and debris-clearing tools.
The storm unleashed torrential rain, flash flooding, and landslides, ripping roofs off homes, uprooting trees and power lines, and leaving more than half a million people without electricity.
In the southwestern town of Black River, floodwaters trapped families in their homes as emergency crews were unable to reach them due to dangerous conditions.
Across the island, boulders blocked roads, and hospitals were forced into emergency mode as flooding and power outages disrupted critical care.
Hurricane Melissa to make landfall 'soon'
Wednesday 29 October 2025 06:25 , Shweta SharmaMelissa is expected to make landfall along eastern Cuba’s southern coast anytime now as an extremely dangerous major hurricane, the National Hurricane Center has warned.
“Melissa is expected to make landfall soon along the Southern Coast of Eastern Cuba as an extremely dangerous major hurricane,” it said.
It has weakend slightly to a category 3 storm, but is expected to remain a powerful hurricane when it moves across Cuba and the Bahamas and passes near Bermuda.
At 10 p.m. local time, the storm was located about 80miles (130km) west-southwest of Guantánamo, Cuba, and about 270miles (435km) south of the central Bahamas. Melissa is packing maximum sustained winds of 125mph (205km/h), moving northeast at 10 mph (17km/h).
Jamaica’s hospitals pushed to the brink after Hurricane Melissa
Wednesday 29 October 2025 06:00 , Shweta SharmaJamaica’s healthcare system is facing one of its worst crises in recent memory after Hurricane Melissa battered hospitals and clinics across the island, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
Floodwaters have inundated multiple facilities, forcing evacuations and threatening to cripple essential medical services.
One man called a radio station seeking urgent help for a woman in labor in western Jamaica as the hurricane neared landfall. The show's host pleaded with listeners to let him know the safest hospital before an obstetrician called in to provide detailed directions on how to deliver a baby, if necessary.
Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaica's Disaster Risk Management Council said four main hospitals were damaged and one of those lost power, forcing evacuations.
Spanish Town Hospital, one of Jamaica’s largest, entered full emergency mode amid fears of flooding, while Black River Hospital in St Elizabeth Parish was among the hardest hit, with around 75 patients evacuated after water breached the building.
Health workers are relocating patients under dangerous conditions, hampered by blocked roads and power cuts. Other major hospitals – including Falmouth Public General, Noel Holmes, and Princess Margaret – have activated emergency plans as flood risks rise.
PAHO’s health emergencies director, Ciro Ugarte, warned that “no amount of preparation is sufficient in the face of a Category 5 hurricane,” calling the situation “tense” and predicting severe damage to health services.
The organisation has sent emergency medical kits and is preparing to deploy field hospitals and mobile labs in Jamaica and other affected areas.
Relief supplies are expected to start arriving once Kingston’s airport reopens later this week – a development Mr Ugarte described as “God’s gift in the middle of this situation.”
Cuba president warns of 'difficult night' as thousands evacuated
Wednesday 29 October 2025 06:00 , Shweta SharmaAhead of the landfall of Hurricane Melissa, Cuba's president Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has said more than 735,000 people have been evacuated from across the country.
"It will be a very difficult night for all of Cuba, but we will recover, always with the faith in victory that Fidel and Raúl instilled in us," he said on X, referring to the Castro brothers, the country's former leaders.
Acabamos de chequear con las provincias las medidas ante el paso de #Melisa. Suman más de 735 mil los evacuados, y aún se continúa trabajando. Será una noche muy difícil para toda #Cuba, pero nos vamos a recuperar, siempre con la fe en la victoria que nos inculcaron Fidel y Raúl. pic.twitter.com/K7rZL4tH3J
— Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez (@DiazCanelB) October 29, 2025
Cuba in pictures ahead of Hurricane Melissa landfall
Wednesday 29 October 2025 05:30 , Shweta SharmaEvacuations have been ordered across parts of Cuba, particularly in vulnerable areas near dams and flood zones, as well as in mountainous regions prone to landslides.
Pictures show flooded streets, people evacuating and preparing their homes and belongings for the impact of the category 4 hurricane.
Kingston residents warned of crocodiles in floodwaters
Wednesday 29 October 2025 05:05 , Shweta SharmaAs floodwaters rise across Jamaica’s capital, officials in Kingston have issued an unusual warning to be beware of crocodiles.
The country’s environmental agency said the reptiles may have been swept from their natural habitats by Hurricane Melissa’s torrential rains and could appear in unexpected places, including flooded streets and yards.
Across the island, floodwaters swept through communities, roofs were ripped from homes, trees and power lines toppled, and landslides blocked roads.
Hundreds of thousands lose power and telecoms in Jamaica
Wednesday 29 October 2025 04:45 , Shweta SharmaInternet observatory NetBlocks has reported a sharp drop in connectivity across Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa continues to batter the island.
The monitoring service said hundreds of thousands of residents have lost power and telecommunications after high winds brought down lines and damaged infrastructure.
A graph shared by NetBlocks on X shows a steep decline in network activity since yesterday, reflecting the widespread outages caused by the storm.
Trump says 'we're watching it closely'
Wednesday 29 October 2025 04:30 , Shweta SharmaDonald Trump said the US will help Jamaica with Hurricane Melissa.
"We're watching it closely, and we're prepared to move," he said.
Trump marveled at the storm's strength, saying: “I've never seen that before. I guess it can get that high, but I've never seen it," he said.
In pictures: Cubans prepare for Hurricane Melissa
Wednesday 29 October 2025 04:01 , Katie Hawkinson
Officials warn of landslides in Jamaica and Cuba
Wednesday 29 October 2025 03:30 , Katie HawkinsonThe National Hurricane Center says landslides are expected in both Jamaica and Cuba as Hurricane Melissa batters the Caribbean.
The storm, which is now a Category 3 hurricane, is expected to reach Cuba early Wednesday.
Hurricane Melissa is gaining strength as it approaches Cuba
Wednesday 29 October 2025 03:12 , Shweta SharmaThe US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said Melissa is “re-strengthening as it approaches Eastern Cuba”.
The storm is expected to make landfall as an "extremely dangerous major hurricane" in the next few hours, it said.
The hurricane is about 110miles (175km) southwest of Guantanamo, Cuba, and about 300miles (485km) off the central Bahamas.
