On October 25, 2025, Hurricane Melissa escalated to a Category 1 hurricane, with sustained winds of 120 km/h (75 mph). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts rapid intensification, potentially reaching major hurricane status by Sunday. Moving at a sluggish pace of 2 km/h (1.2 mph), Melissa is expected to shift west-northwest or west over the weekend, with a northward turn forecasted for Monday and Tuesday. Experts warn of a possible Category 4 landfall over Jamaica by Tuesday, with wind gusts nearing 260 km/h (160 mph).
The South and Grande’Anse departments in Haiti are on red alert. A recent Civil Protection Service report highlights increasing casualties, including four deaths and 15 injuries, primarily due to a collapsed wall in Praville, Gonaïves. Flooding has affected multiple municipalities, with rivers like the Artibonite, Lociane, and Saint-Martin overflowing. Infrastructure damage includes blocked roads and destroyed bridges, exacerbating the crisis.
Electricity and telecommunications are severely disrupted, particularly in Saut-d’Eau and Savanette, where armed gangs and service outages have isolated communities. Over 450 homes are flooded, and 10 slums damaged, with roadblocks in Moron hindering access to five communes. Coastal communities face significant risks from cyclonic swells and strong winds.
Authorities have closed schools in high-risk areas and opened 342 shelters, accommodating 335 people in Les Cayes, Les Coteaux, and Île à Vache. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Civil Protection, supported by partners, are delivering emergency supplies to vulnerable populations. However, challenges persist, including degraded infrastructure, security issues, and limited resources.
Recommendations include maintaining public awareness, preparing shelters, initiating preventive evacuations, and considering school closures and event cancellations to mitigate risks.