Overview
- The National Hurricane Center said Melissa is a large posttropical cyclone about 840 km northeast of Bermuda with 140 km/h winds, producing dangerous surf for the U.S. Northeast and Atlantic Canada as well as Bermuda, the Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos.
- Prime Minister Andrew Holness reported 28 deaths in Jamaica after a Category 5 landfall with near-300 km/h winds, and officials warn the toll could rise as rescuers reach isolated communities.
- Authorities and reports cite additional fatalities in Haiti, Panama and the Dominican Republic, bringing the regional death count to at least 50 while communications gaps, especially in Haiti, hinder verification.
- The United Nations is scaling up support, with a $4 million allocation from the Central Emergency Response Fund and countries sending medical and logistical assistance as search and road-clearing operations continue.
- Preliminary analysis cited by Bloomberg estimates Jamaica’s losses near $7.7 billion, and widespread flight cancellations, constrained airport operations and supply shortages have left many tourists stranded and worried about access to medication.