Overview
- Melissa, which struck Jamaica with 185 mph winds, has weakened and moved past Bermuda, with forecasters expecting further decay over cooler Atlantic waters.
- Jamaica reports severe damage concentrated in St. Elizabeth’s Black River, where officials described near-total roof loss and storm surge exceeding 15 feet.
- Roughly 72% of Jamaica remains without power with about 490,000 customers offline, more than 130 roads blocked, and tens of thousands sheltering as airports reopen to receive aid flights.
- Haiti has confirmed about 30 deaths, largely from flooding in Petit-Goâve, with at least 20 people missing, while Cuba evacuated more than 735,000 residents and reported extensive damage but no fatalities.
- International aid is ramping up, including the U.S. regional Disaster Assistance Response Team, UK-funded support and charter flights, and U.S.-based nonprofits moving supplies and evacuation flights.