The New York Times • 10/17/2025 – 10/28/2025

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday afternoon, causing widespread flooding and destruction across the island. The storm has resulted in significant devastation in Jamaica and Haiti, with reports indicating that approximately 20 people, including children, have died in Haiti, and at least three bodies have been found in Jamaica. Concerns are rising regarding the death toll, as many communities remain cut off from assistance, complicating rescue efforts and damage assessments. The storm is being classified as an “upper-end” Category 4 hurricane, marking it as one of Jamaica’s strongest storms ever. Jamaica’s tourism minister reported that all 25,000 tourists who rode out the storm on the island are accounted for and safe, indicating that the tourism sector has not suffered casualties among visitors. However, the impact on local communities and infrastructure is still being evaluated. Many areas are isolated and in need of aid, with recovery efforts focusing on reaching these communities. Reports from Black River highlight the desperation faced by families, who are now homeless and struggling to access food and clean water. As recovery efforts continue, the situation remains critical. Thousands of residents are trying to navigate the aftermath of the storm, facing trauma and uncertainty. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, and further updates are expected as authorities work to provide necessary aid to those affected by Hurricane Melissa.
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