Hurricane Melissa Death Toll in Jamaica Rises to 28 as Rescue Efforts Intensify

November 2, 2025 MTIMES 3 min read Andrew Holness, Bahamas evacuation, Caribbean disaster, Cuba hurricane, Dana Morris Dixon, Hurricane Melissa death toll in Jamaica, Jamaica hurricane 2025, WMO report

The Hurricane Melissa death toll in Jamaica has climbed to 28, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness confirmed today. Earlier, Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon had reported 19 fatalities. “Government confirms 28 Hurricane Melissa–related deaths,” Holness posted on X, adding that officials were verifying additional reports of casualties.

Several nations, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Venezuela, have dispatched humanitarian aid to assist affected Caribbean countries. The relief includes medical supplies, food packages, and emergency shelters as the region grapples with widespread devastation.

Hurricane Melissa Death Toll in Jamaica Triggers Widespread Relief and Recovery Operations

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday as a powerful Category 5 storm, unleashing torrential rain, destructive winds, and catastrophic flooding. The storm severely damaged infrastructure, destroyed homes, and disrupted transportation networks across the island.

The hurricane later swept across Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and several smaller Caribbean nations, leaving behind massive destruction. As the system moved toward Bermuda on Thursday, emergency crews worked tirelessly to clear blocked roads and deliver aid to remote communities cut off by floodwaters.

Massive Evacuations in Cuba and the Bahamas as Melissa Ravages the Caribbean

Ahead of the storm, more than 735,000 residents in Cuba were evacuated, according to President Miguel Díaz-Canel. In the Bahamas, about 1,485 people were moved to safety before all flights were suspended. Despite extensive preparations, Melissa’s intensity overwhelmed several coastal defenses, resulting in widespread power outages and communication breakdowns.

Prime Minister Holness visited some of Jamaica’s hardest-hit regions on Wednesday to assess the situation. “Despite the difficulties, the Jamaican spirit shines through as a strong reminder that we are a resilient nation with the capacity to triumph over adversity,” he wrote on social media.

Hurricane Melissa Among Strongest Storms Ever Recorded in the Atlantic

Meteorologists said that warm Caribbean waters and minimal upper-atmosphere wind shear created ideal conditions for Hurricane Melissa’s rapid intensification. The storm evolved from a 70 mph tropical storm on Saturday morning to a 140 mph Category 4 hurricane by Sunday, then strengthened further into a high-end Category 5 with sustained winds of 185 mph by Tuesday.

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Melissa is now tied with four other hurricanes as the second-strongest storm ever recorded in the Atlantic since 1851. WMO tropical cyclone specialist Anne-Claire Fontan called it “catastrophic” and described it as “the storm of the century for Jamaica.”

Disclaimer: This article is based on official statements from the Jamaican government, WMO, and regional authorities. Figures and reports are being updated as new information becomes available.

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