Storm Melissa : Situation Report #1, Partial Assessment

Haiti is grappling with the devastating impacts of Tropical Storm Melissa, as detailed in the Civil Protection Department’s Situation Report #1, released on October 22, 2025. The report, covering the period from October 21 to October 22, highlights the storm’s immediate effects and ongoing risks across multiple departments. Tragically, a 70-year-old man lost his life in Marigot, South-East, after being struck by a falling tree, while five individuals sustained injuries in Artibonite due to severe flooding. The storm has caused widespread disruption, with heavy rains triggering floods in Artibonite and Northwest departments, damaging farmland, livestock, and infrastructure. Landslides in Terre Neuve have further complicated transportation, particularly on the Maricolas-Dolan road. The Northeast department remains under unstable weather conditions, adding to the uncertainty. Forecasts predict intensified heavy rains in the southern half of Haiti, with estimates of 150-200 mm of rainfall, raising concerns of flash floods, landslides, and dangerous swells along the southern coast. Tropical Storm Melissa poses heightened risks to vulnerable communities, particularly in the Grand Sud and Ouest departments, where flooding and landslides could isolate populations and disrupt major roads. Coastal areas face additional threats from strong winds and swells exceeding 2 meters. In response, management committees are preparing shelters, with the Civil Protection Department urging heightened vigilance, preventive evacuations, and the closure of schools and large gatherings to mitigate risks. The situation demands immediate action to safeguard lives and minimize damage.