The death toll from Hurricane Melissa has entered double digits, as the powerful storm nears the Bahamas after leaving a trail of destruction across Jamaica and parts of Cuba.
Authorities in Haiti said that at least 25 people, including children, had died after a river burst its banks in the costal town of Petit-Goâve. At least four people are believed to have been killed in Jamaica, as well as one in the Dominican Republic.
Hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated to shelters ahead of the arrival of the “extremely dangerous” storm, with a hurricane warning put in place for Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, as well as the southeastern and central Bahamas among other place.
In Jamaica, the storm knocked out power to 70 percent of the island, officials said.
Despite being initially classed as a Category 5 and one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, Melissa has now been downgraded to a Category 2 storm, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said.
National Hurricane Center Director Dr Michael Brennan said Wednesday morning that Melissa will reach the Bahamas by later in the day, but noted that the system’s increasing forward speed would pull it away from the islands by Thursday.
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Key Points
- Hurricane Melissa to hit the Bahamas later Wednesday
- Cubans brace for life-threatening flooding and mudslides, after Melissa slammed into island
- Death toll across Caribbean with eight dead in Jamaica including an infant
- In pictures: Hurricane Melissa aftermath in Jamaica
- Hurricane Melissa mapped: Follow the path of the 'world's worst storm' this year
Recap: Hurricane Melissa continues to barrel through the Caribbean
16:46
,
Mike Bedigan
On Wednesday Hurricane Melissa smashed through Cuba after laying waste to Jamaica, leaving thousands without power and multiple casualties. It is expected to arrive in the Bahamas shortly.
Here’s a recap, following the National Hurricane’s Center’s 11 a.m. update:
- Dozens of casualties have been reported across the Caribbean, including four in Jamaica, including an infant, one in the Dominican Republic and dozens in Haiti, after a river burst its banks.
- Melissa has moved on through Cuba, weakening to a Category 2, though “life-threatening” storm surge, flash flooding and landslides, remain possible.
- Catastrophic flash flooding and landslides are expected across portions of Haiti and the Dominican Republic through Wednesday. In Haiti, extensive damage and isolation of communities is likely.
- Hurricane conditions, life-threatening storm surge. and heavy rainfall are expected across portions of the southeastern and central Bahamas today. Almost all flights out of the main airport in Turks and Caicos were cancelled.
- Hurricane conditions and heavy rainfall are expected in Bermuda beginning late Thursday and continuing through Thursday night.
- Over 70 percent of Jamaica has been left without power following Melissa’s destruction earlier this week, island officials said.
International visitors to Jamaica are safe, tourism minister says
17:53
,
Mike Bedigan
All international visitors who rode out Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica have been accounted for and are in good health, the island’s tourism minister has said.
Around 25,000 tourists were in Jamaica as the storm hit Tuesday, according to Edmund Bartlett.
Two tourists suffered “minor lacerations” from falling debris and another suffered a stroke, but “the medical condition of everybody is in good order,” he said.
Bartlett added that Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston may reopen on Wednesday for relief flights and humanitarian aid. Flights to evacuate guests should be operational from Thursday.
Sangster International Airport, which sustained heavy damage remains closed. Bartlett said he intended to visit the airport and hoped it would also soon resume flights.
At least three babies born during Hurricane Melissa
17:42
,
Mike Bedigan
Three “Melissa” babies were safely born in Jamaica as the storm battered the island Tuesday, authorities have said.
“You know, Jamaicans, in the middle of all of this, a baby was safely delivered under emergency conditions,” Minister of Local Government Desmond McKenzie told reporters Wednesday.
He compared the infant to other “Gilbert babies” – delivered during Hurricane Gilbert in 1988.
McKenzie’s office confirmed that two other babies were also delivered during the storm.
Melissa's path moving towards the Bahamas
17:30
,
Mike Bedigan
Hurricane Melissa has now cleared Cuba
17:18
,
Mike Bedigan
The eye of Melissa has now cleared Cuba, though threats of hurricane conditions still remain warned Michael Brennan, the director of the National Hurricane Center.
Hurricane conditions are ongoing for southeastern Cuba, and up to 25 inches of rain was still expected,
Severe flash flooding and landslides are still a possibility, Brennan warned Wednesday.
U.S. sending rescue teams and supplies to the Caribbean
17:06
,
Mike Bedigan
The U.S. is sending rescue teams and supplies to parts of the Caribbean affected by Hurricane Melissa, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said.
“The United States is in close contact with the governments of Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic and The Bahamas as they confront the devastating impacts of Hurricane Melissa,” Rubio wrote on X.
“We have rescue and response teams heading to affected areas along with critical lifesaving supplies. Our prayers are with the people of the Caribbean.”
The United States is in close contact with the governments of Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic and The Bahamas as they confront the devastating impacts of Hurricane Melissa. We have rescue and response teams heading to affected areas along with critical lifesaving supplies.…
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) October 29, 2025
NHC Director says Melissa to hit the Bahamas later today
16:55
,
Mike Bedigan
National Hurricane Center Director Dr Michael Brennan has said that Melissa will reach the Bahamas by later in the day Wednesday.
However, he noted that the system’s forward speed will continue to increase so is likely will be pulling away from the islands by tomorrow.
Brennan added that the storm would be near to Bermuda by Thursday day and into the night, as well as lingering through Friday morning.
“Life-threatening” conditions are ongoing, he said.
Hurricane predictions remarkably accurate despite NOAA cuts
16:36
,
Mike Bedigan
Forecaster predictions on the path and severity of Hurricane Melissa have been remarkably accurate, despite cuts to NOAA programs, including the National Hurricane Center.
CNN notes the NHC had a three-day lead time in predicting that Melissa would rapidly intensify, when the system was not yet classified as a hurricane.
The agency also predicted that Melissa would reach Category 5 at least 36 hours beforehand, when it was still only Category 1.
Predictions that the storm would come ashore in western Jamaica as a Category 4 storm were also correct, four days before it happened – and the forecast track was ultimately only 13 miles off.
Jamaican government minister says he has not received reports of any deaths
16:28
,
Mike Bedigan
Desmond McKenzie, Jamaica’s Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, has said he has not yet received reports of deaths related to Hurricane Melissa.
“We are not in a position to speak about any deaths because we have not had any reports of any deaths so far, so we cannot presume that there are deaths,” he told reporters Wednesday.
“I am hoping there are no deaths to report on.”
The Associated Press has reported at least eight deaths, including one infant, on the island as well as dozens across the Caribbean,
Drone footage shows damage to coastal homes in Alligator Pond, Jamaica
16:17
,
Mike Bedigan
Residents of Guantanamo Bay remain sheltered in place
16:06
,
Mike Bedigan
Around 3,000 residents in Guantanamo Bay remained sheltered in place Wednesday as Hurricane Melissa battered Cuba.
Those living at the U.S. naval base holed up in shelters set up at a school, fitness center and other public buildings.
“Everybody’s safe, as far as we know,” Stephen Strickland told The New York Times, speaking from the base’s headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida.
The status of the infamous Guantanamo Bay prison, which currently houses 15 wartime detainees and their guards, was not immediately clear.
In pictures: More destruction in Montego Bay, Jamaica
15:53
,
Mike Bedigan
Melissa knocks out power for 70% of Jamaica
15:43
,
Mike Bedigan
Crews have begun restoring telecommunications services across Jamaica, after the storm knocked out power for 70 percent of the island.
Dana Morris Dixon, Jamaica’s information minister, said the western part of the country had been hardest hit by the blackouts.
“I know so many people have said they cannot reach their families in western Jamaica. That’s because of damage to the telecoms infrastructure,” Morris Dixon said Wednesday.
The deadly combination that made Hurricane Melissa so devastating
15:30
,
Mike Bedigan
Hurricane Melissa made landfall on Cuba early on Wednesday after devastating swathes of Jamaica with violent 185mph winds.
More than 700,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in Cuba as the Caribbean island of Jamaica reeled from an estimated $22 billion (£16.6 billion) worth of damage, with towns submerged and homes blown apart.
Read more here from James Reynolds:
In pictures: Devastation in Santiago de Cuba
15:12
,
Mike Bedigan
BREAKING: 25 people die in Haiti after flooding caused by Melissa
15:00
,
Mike Bedigan
Twenty five people have died in southern Haiti after a river flooded by Hurricane Melissa burst its banks, local officials have said.
The Associated Press confirmed the news, which brings the death toll across the Caribbean into double digits.
Jean Bertrand Subrème, mayor of the coastal town of Petit-Goâve, said the tragedy occurred after La Digue river burst its banks and flooded nearby homes.
Dozens of homes collapse and people remain trapped under the rubble, he said, adding: “I am overwhelmed by the situation.”
Landfall in Cuba poses threat of life-threatening flooding and mudslides, says expert
14:56
,
James Reynolds
Rainfall brought on by Hurricane Melissa’s landfall in Cuba poses a threat of potentially life-threatening flooding and mudslides, an expert has warned.
Alex DaSilva, lead hurricane expert at AccuWeather, told The Independent that Melissa had regained some of its strength overnight as it left Jamaica, bringing with it heavy rainfall.
“The storm lost wind intensity as it interacted with the mountains of Southeast Cuba, but the forced upward motion of the air over the mountainous terrain is squeezing out tremendous amounts of rainfall,” he explained. “Life-threatening flooding and mudslides can happen in a matter of minutes with this much rain, especially near steep terrain.”
Infant killed by falling tree in Jamaica
14:41
,
Mike Bedigan
A falling tree killed an infant in Jamaica marking the first official death during Hurricane Melissa, and bringing the total death count to eight.
Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, a state minister in the prime minister’s office, confirmed the youngster’s death to Nationwide News Network, a local radio station.
Seven others have also died, though during storm preparation.
As well as the four deaths recorded in Jamaica, there have been three in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, where another person remains missing.
Fitz-Henley said most of the destruction is concentrated in Jamaica’s southwest and northwest regions.
“Take heart. It could have been worse,” he said as he acknowledged pressing needs in that area. “I know people have suffered significant devastation.”
Hurricane Melissa will remain destructive as it reaches Bahamas, expert warns
14:21
,
James Reynolds
Hurricane Melissa will continue to lose wind intensity as it interacts with the mountains of Cuba, but will remain destructive as it passes through the Bahamas, an expert has warned.
Alex DaSilva, lead hurricane expert at AccuWeather, told The Independent that some islands closest to the eye of the storm face wind gusts above 120mph, several feet of storm surge, and heavy rain.
“Hurricane Melissa will gain some forward speed as it passes through the Bahamas and into the Atlantic, after slowly crawling through the Caribbean for days,” he said.
At least four major Jamaican hospitals significantly damaged by Melissa
14:15
,
Mike Bedigan
At least four major hospitals have been significantly damaged by Hurricane Melissa.
Affected are Noel Holmes in Hanover, Black River in St Elizabeth, Cornwall Regional in St James, and Falmouth in Trelawny.
Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton said that the damage at the Cornwall Regional Hospital was limited to the nurses' quarters, which have since been converted for other use.
"So they are doing some relocation and in some instances waiting on the rain to relocate others," he told The Jamaica Star.
"A lot is happening and it's unfolding as we speak, so it's hard to give specifics.”
US evacuates over 1,000 American citizens from Guantanamo Bay
14:05
,
Maira Butt
Around 1,000 US citizens were evacuated from Guantanamo Bay ahead of Hurricane Melissa making landfall on Wednesday.
Non-essential military personnel and their families and pets were flown to safety, with the remaining 3,000 residents were moved to shelters, according to the New York Times.
Thousands of Britons stranded as Hurricane Melissa wreaks havoc on Jamaica
13:45
,
Maira Butt
Thousands of British tourists remain stranded in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes in history, wreaked havoc on the Caribbean island.
As many as 8,000 British citizens are in the country, with people ordered to stay inside to avoid the world’s strongest storm of the year so far, which left “catastrophic winds” and “flash flooding” in its wake.
How Hurricane Melissa could turn US soldiers’ attention from bombing ‘drug boats’ to humanitarian aid
13:23
,
Maira Butt
President Donald Trump’s military campaign against alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean may soon clash with U.S. humanitarian efforts as Hurricane Melissa rips across Jamaica as one of the most powerful storms on record, according to a report.
Eight warships carrying about 6,000 troops and several dozen aircraft are currently assembled in the region as the Trump administration targets alleged drug smuggling boats with strikes that have killed over 50 people since early September.
Watch: Holidaymakers film from inside emergency shelter as Hurricane Melissa batters Jamaica
13:02
,
Maira Butt
'Most of the destruction is from the water', warns climate expert
12:45
,
Maira Butt
“Property damage from flooding and winds is a given, and severe loss of life looks probable as well,” Max Dugan-Knight, a climate data scientist at Deep Sky tells The Independent.
“One key factor I will be paying attention to is the storm surge - the rapid increase of sea level during the storm.
“This can flatten entire neighbourhoods. Storm surge in combination with enormous precipitation will bring devastating flooding.
“We hear a lot about wind damage when we discuss hurricanes -- and for sure there will be wind damage - but most of the destruction actually comes from the water.”
Frequency of storms like Hurricane Melissa to increase, says Grantham Institute academic
12:17
,
Maira Butt
Climate change has impacted the intensity of Hurricane Melissa as it roars through the Caribbean.
“The Caribbean Sea surface temperature is even higher than normal, and we know that climate change has contributed to this,” said Professor Ralf Toumi, co-director of the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London.
“We also know that warmer oceans will sustain stronger storms so there is a direct connection to climate change.
“We expect the frequency of these strongest storms to increase until we can stop the warming by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
In pictures: Caribbean feels the effects of devastating Hurricane Melissa
12:08
,
Maira Butt
Hurricane Melissa has devastated the Caribbean in recent days, with destructive winds at maximum sustained speeds of up to 185mph.
The Dominican Republic and Haiti saw flash flooding and serious damage caused by torrential rain and wind.
Melissa hit eastern Cuba on Wednesday morning and is now headed towards the Bahamas.
Hurricane heading to Bahamas, warns National Hurricane Centre
11:54
,
Maira Butt
Melissa is ravaging the Caribbean with devastating destruction and record-breaking winds.
The Hurricane is storming through Cuba with sustained winds of 120mph, with hundreds of thousands being forced to flee their homes.
The storm is currently 205 miles (335 kilometres) south of the Central Bahamas with maximum sustained winds of 105mph.
Watch: Jamaica left devastated by Hurricane Melissa as death toll climbs
11:30
,
Maira Butt
Early indications show Melissa is 'a disaster of unprecedented catastrophe', says British Red Cross
11:08
,
Maira Butt
The British Red Cross are waiting for dawn to break to assess the full extent of damage and casualties after Hurricane Melissa made landfall on Tuesday. However the relief group said early indications show the effects of the storm have been catastrophic.
“Early indications are that Hurricane Melissa was a disaster of unprecedented catastrophe for the island,” Alexander Pendry, the charity’s global response manager said on Wednesday.
“News is already coming through that whole communities are under water and that the damage left by the strong winds has been devastating.”
He added: “The immediate priorities are search and rescue and ensuring people have access to healthcare, safe shelter, clean water, food and other essential supplies.
“Tragically, experience tells us that the impact on communities and individuals will be shattering and long lasting. We will be here for as long as people need us.”
Hurricane Melissa tracker: Where will storm head next after devastating Cuba and Jamaica?
10:45
,
Maira Butt
The “storm of the century” is one of the most powerful in Atlantic history, and the most forceful Hurricane to ever hit Jamaica.
Melissa began as a tropical wave near West Africa, before gaining traction and blowing westward to the Caribbean. After passing over Jamaica, it made landfall in Cuba on Wednesday. It is expected to crawl across the country with destructive winds and torrential rainfall before passing over to Bermuda and the Bahamas.
Surrounding areas, including the southeastern and Central Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, could also suffer a “life-threatening storm surge” and heavy rainfall, the National Hurricane Centre said.
Watch: Cuban president urges mass evacuation as Hurricane Melissa approaches
10:28
,
Maira Butt
At least 735,000 people have left their homes as Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel ordered mass evacuations across the country as Melissa made landfall on Wednesday.
'International assistance necessary' say relief agencies as local responders overwhelmed
10:16
,
Maira Butt
“Disasters like this one often exceed the capacity of local responders,” said Jessica Pearl, interim director at Mercy Corps told Sky News on Wednesday.
“Having international assistance to support the local response mechanism is very important particularly on islands where the entire island is impacted.
“Supplies need to be brought in, logistical support to that country becomes very important. Having international assistance is neccessary.”
Kingston residents warned of crocodiles in floodwaters
09:58
,
Maira Butt
As floodwaters rise across Jamaica’s capital, officials in Kingston have issued an unusual warning to be beware of crocodiles.
The country’s environmental agency said the reptiles may have been swept from their natural habitats by Hurricane Melissa’s torrential rains and could appear in unexpected places, including flooded streets and yards.
Thousands of Britons stranded as Hurricane Melissa wreaks havoc on Jamaica
09:30
,
Maira Butt
Thousands of British tourists remain stranded in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes in history, wreaked havoc on the Caribbean island.
As many as 8,000 British citizens are in the country, with people ordered to stay inside to avoid the world’s strongest storm of the year so far, which left “catastrophic winds” and “flash flooding” in its wake.
Follow Melissa's path as devastating storm makes landfall in Cuba
09:16
,
Maira Butt
Watch: Moment Hurricane Melissa tears through Jamaica’s resort town Montego Bay
08:45
,
Maira Butt
Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Jamaica with 185mph winds as thousands flee homes
08:25
,
Maira Butt
Heavy floodwaters swept across southwestern Jamaica, winds tore roofs off buildings and boulders tumbled into roads as the “storm of the century” made landfall over the Caribbean island of 2.8 million people.
Thousands of people were warned to flee before destructive winds, flash flooding and landslides caused catastrophic damage.
'Brigades' on standby, Cuba's president assures
08:05
,
James Reynolds
Brigades have already been deployed in eastern Cuba to support anticipated recovery efforts, Cuba’s president Miguel Díaz-Canel assured before the storm made landfall.
“Multi-pronged brigades are already deployed in the eastern region of the country—that is, where the provinces most affected by the hurricane are located—to work on recovery from the damage caused by the hurricane,” the president said in a speech on Tuesday.
“There are already electricity brigades, water resources brigades, communications brigades, and construction brigades that will work together with the forces in each territory to recover from the damage."
He said UN system agencies had made aid resources available in advance.
In pictures: Cubans brace ahead of Melissa's arrival
07:50
,
James Reynolds
Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Cuba
07:34
,
James Reynolds
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 storm early on Wednesday, with sustained winds hitting the south of the island, according to the US National Hurricane Center.
07:15
,
James Reynolds
Are you affected by Hurricane Melissa? Contact james.reynolds@independent.co.uk
Hurricane Melissa to cause landslides and weaken Cuba economically
06:56
,
Shweta Sharma
Hurricane Melissa barreled toward eastern Cuba, where it was expected to make landfall as a major storm after pummeling Jamaica as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record.
More than 700,000 people were evacuated in Cuba, according to president Miguel Diaz-Canel, and forecasters said the category 3 storm would unleash catastrophic damage in Santiago de Cuba and nearby areas.
A hurricane warning was in effect for the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, Holguin and Las Tunas, as well as for the southeastern and central Bahamas. A hurricane watch was in effect for Bermuda.
"Numerous landslides are likely in those areas," said Michael Brennan, director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami.
The hurricane could worsen Cuba's severe economic crisis, which has already led to prolonged power blackouts, fuel shortages and food shortages.
"There will be a lot of work to do. We know there will be a lot of damage," Dïaz-Canel said in a televised address, in which he assured that "no one is left behind and no resources are spared to protect the lives of the population."
Jamaica launches official hurricane relief portal after devastating storm
06:30
,
Shweta Sharma
The Jamaican government has unveiled an official website to coordinate relief and recovery after Hurricane Melissa tore across the island on Tuesday, leaving homes destroyed, hospitals flooded and hundreds of thousands without power.
Information minister Dana Morris Dixon said the site aims to centralise donations and real-time damage reports, warning people against fraudulent fund-raisers posing as relief drives.
Through the portal, residents can upload photos of flood damage or blocked roads to alert authorities, while an interactive shelter locator helps displaced families find refuge.
“It’s about mobilising resources – for people in Jamaica and our diaspora – to support recovery in a transparent way,” Dixon said.
