In brief
The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has left at least 19 dead in Jamaica and significant destruction throughout the Caribbean. In Haiti, the hurricane resulted in nearly 30 fatalities, while in Cuba, evacuations were ordered to protect millions. Search and rescue teams are struggling to reach hard-hit areas as the situation remains dire for many residents who are without basic necessities.
At least 19 people have died in Jamaica as a result of Hurricane Melissa, Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon has said. As search and rescue efforts continue and authorities try to get aid to hard-hit areas, the impacted regions reflect catastrophic damage.
The hurricane, one of the strongest to hit the Caribbean, has also killed at least 30 people in Haiti, officials confirmed. In Jamaica, entire communities seem to be marooned and many districts have been left flattened.
As power remains out across much of the island, thousands are desperate for aid while attempting to salvage what they can from their damaged homes.
Some parts of Jamaica have lacked water for days, and food supplies are dwindling.
Aid shipments are beginning to increase as the main airport in Kingston stabilizes operations, although regional airports near the worst-hit locations remain partially operational.
Satellite images reveal severe destruction across several Jamaican villages, with reports echoing the sentiment that the storm's impact is indescribable.
In Haiti, the flooding led to many deaths, with a significant number now residing in shelters after fleeing their homes. Meanwhile, Cuba managed to avoid fatalities but continues to face severe disruptions due to the storm's aftermath, with a large percentage of its population under threat.
Governments and organizations worldwide are mobilizing assistance, including the US deploying a disaster response team and the UK pledging additional humanitarian aid to assist in recovery efforts.
Hurricane Melissa was classified as a category five storm upon making landfall in Jamaica, causing widespread alarm and anticipation as Bermuda braces for its impact.
