Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, impacted Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, resulting in multiple fatalities and extensive damage to infrastructure and communities.
Impact in Jamaica
BBC correspondent Will Grant observed the damage in Black River, Jamaica, during an aid helicopter flight following Hurricane Melissa. The storm made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on Tuesday, making it one of the strongest recorded in the Caribbean region.
- Fatalities: At least 28 people were reported killed in Jamaica.
- Structural Damage: Some coastal communities experienced significant structural damage.
- Western Jamaica Conditions: In western Jamaica, numerous roads are blocked by debris. Residents in these areas are isolated and experiencing shortages of food, power, and running water.
Regional Casualties
Beyond Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa also caused fatalities in other Caribbean nations:
- Haiti: At least 31 people were reported killed.
- Dominican Republic: At least two people were reported killed.