Hurricane Melissa: Caribbean Devastation Leaves Dozens Dead

Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of destruction across the northern Caribbean, with a confirmed death toll of 49, according to official reports. The storm, a Category 5 hurricane at its peak, caused extensive damage in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba, leaving thousands without power.

In Haiti, torrential rains from the slow-moving storm resulted in at least 30 deaths and 20 more missing, despite the country not being directly hit by the hurricane. Jamaica reported 19 deaths and significant infrastructure damage as the storm made landfall on its shores, forcing the military to deploy reserve personnel for relief efforts.

The estimated economic damage caused by Hurricane Melissa ranges from $48 billion to $52 billion. As it passed west of Bermuda, Melissa was classified as a Category 2 storm, still impacting several regions with high winds and causing extensive evacuations. Caribbean leaders continue to call for global support for climate change-related reparations.