Hurricane Melissa, one of the most devastating storms in recent history, has left a trail of destruction across the Caribbean, claiming nearly 50 lives and causing widespread damage. Early Friday, the storm began moving away from Bermuda, but its impact continues to be felt across the region. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Melissa is expected to transition into an extratropical cyclone, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. The storm has already caused catastrophic flooding, power outages, and structural damage in Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. In Jamaica, the death toll has risen to 19, with significant damage reported in the parishes of Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth. Communications and transportation remain severely disrupted, hampering recovery efforts. In Haiti, the situation is dire, with 30 confirmed deaths, 20 injuries, and 20 people still missing. Over 1,000 homes have been flooded, displacing approximately 16,000 people. Cuba, already grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades, faced extensive flooding and property damage. Residents like Felicia Correa from La Trampa near El Cobre described the storm as ‘devastating,’ exacerbating existing hardships. A study by Imperial College London suggests that human-induced climate change made Hurricane Melissa four times more likely, highlighting the urgent need for climate action.
分类： world
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Antigua and Barbuda Shaken by 20th Earthquake in a Week
Antigua and Barbuda has been struck by its 20th earthquake in less than a week, as a relentless series of tremors continues to unsettle the eastern Caribbean. The most recent quake, registering a magnitude of 4.0, occurred at 2:13 am local time, approximately 264 kilometers east-southeast of St. John’s, according to the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre (SRC). The quake originated at a depth of 10 kilometers. This seismic activity began on Monday, October 27, with a significant magnitude 6.7 earthquake, followed by numerous aftershocks, including magnitudes 6.1 and 5.4. The majority of these tremors have been concentrated offshore between Antigua and Barbuda, Guadeloupe, and Dominica. The SRC is actively monitoring the situation and has indicated that preliminary data for the latest quake may be subject to revision. The eastern Caribbean is situated on the boundary between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates, making it one of the most seismically active regions in the area. Local authorities have advised residents to remain vigilant and adhere to guidance from disaster management officials.
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Barbados calls for global recognition of small islands after Hurricane Melissa devastation
The aftermath of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa has reignited urgent calls from Barbados for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to be formally acknowledged as a vulnerable group within international climate agreements. Environment Minister Adrian Forde emphasized the dire financial challenges Caribbean nations face during disasters, describing them as ‘political contortionists’ forced to reallocate resources to address immediate crises.
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Orkaan Melissa verwoest Caribische landen, op weg naar Bermuda
Hurricane Melissa intensified as it moved toward Bermuda on Thursday, leaving a path of devastation across the northern Caribbean. Local authorities reported nearly 30 fatalities, with significant damage to infrastructure and communities. The storm, now a Category 1 hurricane, was located 526 kilometers southwest of Bermuda, where hurricane-like conditions were anticipated by evening. Melissa’s maximum sustained winds reached 169 km/h, but residents remained calm as the storm was expected to pass relatively wide of the island. Authorities announced road closures and the suspension of schools and ferries as a precautionary measure. In the Bahamas, storm warnings were lifted, but officials have yet to declare the area fully safe. Hundreds of evacuees may return home by Saturday, pending safety assessments. Although Haiti was not directly hit, heavy rains caused a river to overflow, resulting in at least 25 deaths in Petit-Goave. The collapse of a riverbank also destroyed part of a national highway, further isolating communities. Jamaica, directly struck by Melissa as a Category 5 hurricane, reported at least four deaths in the southwestern region. The storm’s winds far exceeded the threshold for the highest hurricane category, making it the third strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Caribbean. Satellite images revealed widespread destruction in Jamaica, with forests and homes flattened. Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed concern for affected citizens during a helicopter tour of the hardest-hit areas. Over 70% of Jamaica’s electricity customers remained without power, and many schools lacked essential services. Rescue operations were underway, with U.S. search and rescue teams en route to assist. Cuba, which experienced Melissa as a Category 3 storm, reported significant infrastructure and crop damage but no fatalities. The storm isolated 241 communities, affecting up to 140,000 residents. Authorities evacuated 735,000 people to shelters and relocated tourists to inland hotels. The U.S. pledged immediate humanitarian aid to Cuba, despite longstanding tensions between the two nations.
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Magnitude 4.0 Earthquake Recorded East of Antigua and Barbuda
A magnitude 4.0 earthquake was detected early Friday morning east of Antigua and Barbuda, as reported by the UWI Seismic Research Centre (SRC). The seismic event occurred at 2:13 a.m. local time (06:13 UTC) and was recorded at a depth of 10 kilometres. The epicentre was located at coordinates 16.54°N, 59.54°W, approximately 264 kilometres east-southeast of St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda; 247 kilometres northeast of Roseau, Dominica; and 224 kilometres east of Point-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe. The SRC indicated that the earthquake’s location was automatically generated and could be subject to revision following further analysis. As of now, there have been no reports of damage or injuries resulting from the tremor.
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News : Zapping…
Haiti has officially transitioned to a state of normalcy following the passage of Hurricane Melissa. On November 30, 2025, the Haitian Hydrometeorological Unit (UHM), in collaboration with the General Directorate of Civil Protection (DGPC) and the National Risk and Disaster Management Plan, announced the lifting of the weather alert. This decision, marking a return to green-level conditions, signals the end of the hurricane’s influence on the country’s weather. Minister of National Education Antoine Augustin confirmed the resumption of school activities starting October 31, 2025. Meanwhile, the aftermath of the hurricane continues to unfold. The provisional death toll has risen to 30, with 20 injured and 20 missing, according to Civil Protection. In response, Minister of Economy and Finance Alfred Metellus activated the emergency fund to support recovery efforts, ensuring resources are available for Civil Protection, local communities, and relevant ministries. In other news, a police operation in Tabarre resulted in the deaths of four members of the ‘Kraze Baryè’ gang, led by Vitelhomme Innocent. On a brighter note, Haitian author Yanick Lahens was awarded the 2025 Grand Prize for Fiction by the French Academy for her novel ‘Passagères de nuit’ (Night Passengers), receiving widespread acclaim from the French Embassy in Haiti and the National Library of Haiti. Additionally, Haiti’s U-17 Grenadiers have secured support from 13 sponsors as they prepare for their first match against Egypt in the Qatar 2025 World Cup on November 4.
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Onderzoek: Cijfers tonen grote instroom Haïtianen, maar weinig werkvergunningen
Since 2020, nearly 15,000 Haitians have arrived in Suriname, yet only 108 have applied for work permits by the end of last year, according to data from Suriname’s Immigration Service and Labor Directorate. Over 4,000 Haitians have since left the country, leaving approximately 10,000 undocumented workers or those who crossed borders unnoticed to continue their journey. The reasons for this significant influx remain unclear, and the exact number of Haitians registered with the Foreigners Department of the Ministry of Justice and Police is unknown. Initial promises to release this data were abruptly halted, and requests for information from Minister Harish Monorath were unsuccessful. Former Foreign Minister Albert Ramdin stated in May that there are currently no flights from Haiti and the situation is not alarming, though he acknowledged pressure to admit Haitians. Charter flights operated by Saya Tours & Travel via Fly Allways were suspended due to rumors of human trafficking. Ramdin emphasized that Suriname’s open migration policy made it a transit point, but measures like visa requirements have since been implemented to mitigate the issue. Suriname has maintained its top ranking in the U.S. Trafficking in Persons Report for 2024 and 2025, and Ramdin stressed the importance of maintaining this status. Haitians reportedly pay between $2,700 to $4,000 per person for travel to Suriname, a significant sum in Haiti. Saya Tours denied allegations of profiteering, claiming the flights were primarily to assist the Haitian community. The Haitian consulate in Paramaribo was dismantled in August 2024 over suspected involvement in human trafficking, though staff denied any wrongdoing. Fly Allways director Amichand Jhauw declined to disclose charter flight costs, but sources estimate profits of $116,000 per flight. Saya refuted these claims, citing high administrative costs and political sponsorship as factors in obtaining flight permissions. Despite the suspension of special charters, 857 Haitians entered Suriname in 2025, raising questions about migration enforcement.
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Arajet assists Dominican government in evacuating citizens from Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on Jamaica, the Dominican Government has partnered with Arajet Airlines to organize complimentary humanitarian flights aimed at repatriating Dominican citizens stranded by the storm. The initiative underscores a swift and coordinated response to the crisis, prioritizing the safety and well-being of affected individuals. The first flight is set to depart from Kingston on Saturday, November 1, at 11:00 a.m., arriving in Santo Domingo by 1:30 p.m. A second flight is scheduled for Tuesday, ensuring continued support for those in need. Additionally, passengers with existing travel plans to or from Jamaica are permitted to reschedule their trips within a 15-day window without incurring extra charges. To facilitate a smooth and transparent process, the Dominican Embassy in Jamaica will meticulously review each repatriation request. Emergency contact lines have been activated by the Embassy and its Consular Section to provide immediate assistance. Both the Dominican Government and Arajet have reaffirmed their dedication to safeguarding Dominicans abroad, highlighting their collaborative efforts to deliver urgent aid to hurricane victims.
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Post-Melissa : President Trump authorized immediate intervention
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm that struck the Caribbean on October 28, 2025, President Trump has authorized an urgent U.S. intervention to aid affected regions, including Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cuba, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The storm caused extensive flooding and destruction, prompting a swift mobilization of resources to address the crisis. Secretary of State Rubio deployed the Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), comprising urban search and rescue units, to assess needs and provide critical assistance. The State Department is collaborating with UN agencies, NGOs, and local governments to deliver essential supplies such as food, water, medical aid, hygiene kits, and temporary shelters. Financial contributions to reputable relief organizations are encouraged, as cash donations enable the purchase of urgently needed supplies locally, reducing delays and supporting regional economies. Humanitarian organizations are coordinating efforts with local stakeholders to ensure an effective and adaptable response. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has warned against scams targeting donors and urged vigilance in verifying the legitimacy of relief organizations. U.S. citizens abroad in need of emergency consular assistance are advised to contact the Department of State or their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
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PAHO Sends Lifesaving Medical Aid to Cuba After Melissa
In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has mobilized a significant shipment of emergency medical supplies to Cuba. The Category Three storm left widespread destruction in its wake, prompting the urgent dispatch of over 2.6 tons of essential resources. The aid package includes vital medications, surgical kits, water purification tablets, tents, and equipment designed to support approximately 5,000 individuals for three months. These supplies were sourced from PAHO’s strategic stockpile in Panama and are slated for distribution to the most severely affected regions once infrastructure, such as roads and communication networks, is restored. Dr. Mario Cruz Peñate, PAHO’s representative in Cuba, emphasized the importance of these resources, stating, ‘These supplies are critical to keeping people healthy and safe.’ PAHO is also preparing a second shipment, which will include mosquito nets, generators, and additional materials aimed at preventing disease outbreaks in the aftermath of the disaster. The organization’s emergency response centers in Washington D.C., Havana, and Barbados are actively coordinating regional efforts to restore health services and safeguard vulnerable communities.