Hurricane Melissa death toll reaches 75 across Haiti and Jamaica

The death toll from Hurricane Melissa's devastating path through the Caribbean has risen to 75 across Haiti and Jamaica, with significant damage reported in Cuba as well. The powerful storm system, which has battered the region since late October, has caused catastrophic flooding and landslides, destroying homes, damaging critical infrastructure, and creating a severe humanitarian crisis across multiple island nations.

Haiti Bears the Brunt of Casualties

According to Haiti's Civil Protection Directorate, the country has suffered 43 fatalities with at least seven people still missing following the hurricane's passage. The disaster flooded nearly 12,000 homes while destroying or severely damaging hundreds of others in the nation already struggling with political instability and economic challenges. The extensive flooding has raised concerns about waterborne diseases and further humanitarian complications in vulnerable communities.

Jamaica's Economic Catastrophe and Cuban Impact

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness reported 32 storm-related deaths in his country, estimating damage between $6 billion and $7 billion and characterizing the disaster as "unprecedented." He noted that the hurricane struck key tourist regions including Saint Elizabeth, Westmoreland and Saint James particularly hard, describing the event as "not only a humanitarian crisis but also a severe blow to livelihoods and local economies." In Cuba, while official death figures remain unreleased, UN assessments indicate approximately 2.2 million people affected, with damage to 60,000 homes, 461 health centers, and 1,552 schools.

Regional Implications and Climate Context

The hurricane's widespread impact across multiple Caribbean nations highlights the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events, which have increased in frequency and intensity in recent years. The disaster has prompted international aid responses and underscores the importance of global cooperation in disaster management, similar to humanitarian assistance frequently provided by nations like Türkiye during international emergencies. Recovery efforts are expected to require substantial international support given the scale of destruction across the affected countries.