Hurricane Melissa Claims Seven Lives, Heads Toward Cuba

Hurricane Melissa, a powerful storm sweeping across the Caribbean, has claimed at least seven lives and is now moving toward Cuba. Deaths have been reported in Jamaica (3), Haiti (3), and the Dominican Republic (1) as the hurricane brought strong winds and torrential rain.

Melissa hit Jamaica as one of the strongest storms on record, causing widespread flooding and significant damage to public infrastructure, hospitals, and homes. After weakening to Category 3 while crossing the island, the storm has strengthened back to Category 4 as it approaches Cuba.

Authorities reported that the storm’s slow movement intensified the impact, leaving communities anxious and vulnerable. The Jamaican Red Cross has been distributing drinking water and hygiene supplies, while the UN plans to airlift 2,000 relief kits from Barbados to support affected areas, with additional assistance for Haiti and Cuba.

Experts link the intensity and frequency of storms like Melissa to human-driven climate change, which increases the risk of flooding and destruction. Around 25,000 tourists were reported in Jamaica at the time of the hurricane.