Melissa Turns Post‑Tropical as Jamaica Confirms 19 Dead and Aid Faces Major Delays

The U.S. National Hurricane Center says Melissa has transitioned into a large extratropical cyclone moving northeast, with swells and brief wind and rain still possible near Newfoundland’s Avalon Peninsula. Jamaica reports 19 confirmed deaths and severe damage concentrated in the west, with more than 70% of customers without power and at least 134 roads reported blocked. Black River in St. Elizabeth suffered some of the worst destruction, with an estimated five‑meter storm surge, extensive structural losses and at least two deaths recovered after the floodwaters receded. Aid flights have begun arriving as international and domestic teams mobilize, but distribution is slowed by impassable routes and partial operations at regional airports even as Kingston resumes more normal activity. Haiti’s civil protection agency reports 31 dead and 21 missing with thousands in shelters, and Peru’s foreign ministry says it is coordinating with nationals in Jamaica and considering sending the presidential plane to evacuate stranded travelers.