Jamaica is grappling with unprecedented devastation after Hurricane Melissa, the most intense storm in the island’s recorded history, unleashed its fury overnight. The hurricane left a trail of destruction, crippling power and communication networks across the nation. Journalist Nick Davis painted a grim picture of the aftermath, reporting catastrophic flooding, mudslides, and extensive roof damage. He likened the force of the winds to palm trees being ‘tossed like toothpicks,’ underscoring the storm’s ferocity. In Montego Bay, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie disclosed that parts of the city were entirely isolated as rivers surged up to five meters. Critical infrastructure, including hospitals and government offices, was inundated, forcing the evacuation of a homeless shelter. Rescue operations are ongoing but face significant challenges due to blocked roads and downed power lines. While no fatalities have been confirmed, communication with several parishes remains limited, raising concerns about the full extent of the damage. Amid the chaos, moments of hope emerged. McKenzie shared that three babies were safely delivered during the storm, one of whom he affectionately dubbed a ‘Melissa baby.’ He hailed these births as a testament to Jamaica’s resilience ‘even in the darkest hours.’ Hurricane Melissa has since moved on to Cuba, where it brought torrential rain and storm surges with winds reaching 185 km/h. The storm is now tracking northeast toward the Bahamas and Bermuda, prompting authorities to issue warnings for destructive winds and coastal flooding. In Jamaica, residents have begun the arduous task of clearing debris and checking on neighbors, showcasing the community’s enduring spirit of unity in the face of disaster.
分类： world
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Orkaan Melissa eist 25 levens in Haïti en veroorzaakt zware schade in Jamaica en Cuba
Hurricane Melissa has unleashed catastrophic destruction across the Caribbean, claiming at least 25 lives in Haiti and leaving a trail of devastation in Jamaica and Cuba. The storm, which made landfall as a Category 5 hurricane with winds reaching 295 km/h, has caused widespread flooding, power outages, and structural damage. In Haiti, the southern coastal town of Petit-Goâve saw the La Digue River overflow, collapsing dozens of homes and trapping residents under debris. Mayor Jean Bertrand Subrème has urgently called for government assistance in rescue operations, as limited emergency services struggle to cope with the crisis. In Jamaica, over 25,000 people sought refuge in shelters after the hurricane tore roofs off homes and left many temporarily homeless. Desmond McKenzie, Deputy Chairman of Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Council, acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, ‘It’s not going to be an easy road, Jamaica.’ The U.S. Department of Defense released footage from Hurricane Melissa, captured by the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, which flew through the storm to gather critical weather data. In Cuba, the storm caused collapsed houses, blocked mountain roads, and blown-off roofs, particularly in the southwest and northwest regions. Approximately 735,000 people are sheltering in eastern Cuba. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel warned citizens not to underestimate the storm, calling it ‘the most powerful ever to hit the country.’ The hurricane is expected to exacerbate Cuba’s existing economic crisis, marked by prolonged power outages and shortages of fuel and food. Jamaica is racing to assess the damage, with officials reporting widespread destruction in Clarendon and St. Elizabeth. The U.S. government has deployed disaster response teams and search-and-rescue personnel to the region, while non-essential U.S. personnel and their families have been authorized to leave Jamaica due to the storm’s impact.
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Widespread damage reported in JA post-Melissa, full extent unknown
Hurricane Melissa unleashed its fury on Jamaica on Tuesday evening, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in its path. The Category 5 storm, with wind speeds surpassing 185 mph, wreaked havoc across the island, particularly in western regions. Reports from eTurbo News reveal that nearly 75% of Jamaica is without power, with extensive flooding submerging numerous areas. The storm’s ferocity has obliterated countless homes, leaving many families homeless and vulnerable. Montego Bay International Airport suffered severe damage and remains shuttered as authorities evaluate the aftermath. Social media accounts from Black River in St. Elizabeth, the hurricane’s point of landfall, depict a town in ruins, with at least three families trapped in their homes. Montego Bay and Negril also faced severe flooding, power outages, and structural damage. In contrast, eastern Jamaica, including Kingston, experienced minimal impact. Communication disruptions have hindered a full assessment of the disaster’s scale. The hurricane also struck Cuba, where it was classified as a Category 3 storm with wind speeds reaching 115 mph. Heavy rains and life-threatening storm surges exacerbated the crisis, isolating approximately 140,000 people due to rising river levels. The death toll, as reported by CNN, stands at 28 in Haiti, 3 in Jamaica, and 1 in the Dominican Republic. In response, the United States, the United Nations, and the United Kingdom have pledged support and aid to Jamaica and other affected nations during this critical period.
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Hurricane Melissa Leaves Trail of Destruction Across the Caribbean
Hurricane Melissa has unleashed widespread destruction across the Caribbean, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. The storm, which initially struck Jamaica as a historic Category 5 hurricane, later made landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 before advancing towards the Bahamas as a Category 2 with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph. The hurricane has caused fatalities, severe flooding, and extensive damage to homes, hospitals, and schools in its path. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the island a ‘disaster zone’ on Tuesday, with power outages and flooding reported across both Jamaica and Cuba. The ‘All Clear’ was announced on October 29, allowing essential services to resume. In Haiti, the death toll rose to at least 25 after a river swollen by the hurricane burst its banks in Petit-Goâve. While Jamaica has not yet released an official death toll, three fatalities occurred during storm preparations. One death has also been reported in the Dominican Republic. Meteorologists warn that Melissa’s strongest winds are expanding, posing an increased threat to the Bahamas, where warnings remain in effect as the storm is forecast to pass between Long Island and Crooked Island later today.
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US Strikes on Suspected Drug Boats Kill 14
In a significant escalation of efforts to combat drug trafficking, US military forces conducted strikes on four suspected drug vessels in the eastern Pacific on October 29, 2025, resulting in the deaths of 14 individuals. The operation, authorized by President Donald Trump, was confirmed by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who stated that the targeted vessels were identified by intelligence agencies as part of known narco-trafficking routes. One survivor was reportedly rescued approximately 400 miles off the coast of Acapulco, with Mexican authorities now leading the coordination efforts. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum strongly condemned the strikes, emphasizing the need for adherence to international treaties and calling for urgent discussions with US officials. This incident marks the latest in a series of US military actions targeting suspected drug boats in the Pacific and Caribbean, which have claimed at least 57 lives to date. The strikes have heightened tensions between the US and regional governments, particularly Colombia and Venezuela. The US recently imposed sanctions on Colombian President Gustavo Petro and deployed military assets, including the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the Caribbean. President Trump has accused Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro of leading a drug-trafficking organization, a claim Maduro vehemently denies. The situation underscores the growing complexities of international drug enforcement efforts and their geopolitical ramifications.
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Hurricane Melissa kills over 30 in the Caribbean as it heads toward the Bahamas
Hurricane Melissa, a formidable Category 3 storm, wreaked havoc across the Caribbean, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The hurricane made landfall in Cuba on Wednesday morning, causing ‘significant damage’ and isolating approximately 140,000 people due to rapidly rising river levels. As the storm advanced toward the Bahamas, its impact continued to be felt across the region. In Jamaica, Melissa struck as one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record, severely damaging public infrastructure and plunging most of the island into darkness. The full extent of the devastation remains unclear, with many areas still inaccessible. The storm also proved deadly, claiming at least 25 lives in Petit-Goâve, Haiti, after a river swollen by the hurricane burst its banks. Three fatalities were reported in Jamaica during storm preparations, and one person died in the Dominican Republic. As communities grapple with the aftermath, efforts to provide aid and support are underway. Here’s how you can assist those affected and share your experiences if you’ve been impacted by the disaster.
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Tension, fear among Venezuelans in Trinidad and Tobago
Venezuelan migrants in Trinidad and Tobago (TT) are grappling with heightened anxiety as recent government measures and escalating tensions between the two nations have sparked widespread concern. The Ministry of Homeland Security’s announcement of a deportation plan and the temporary suspension of supervision permits for asylum seekers has left many families fearing arbitrary detentions or forced repatriations. On October 27, the ministry confirmed the detention of over 200 irregular migrants, predominantly Venezuelans, who are slated for repatriation. The suspension of supervision orders, which previously allowed refugees and asylum seekers to remain in TT without detention, has further exacerbated the situation. Authorities justify these measures as necessary to enforce immigration laws. La Casita Hispanic Cultural Centre, an advocacy group for immigrants’ rights, has expressed deep concern over the potential human rights violations and psychological toll on migrant communities. The organization emphasized the need for migration policies to uphold principles of human dignity, non-discrimination, and international protection, citing treaties such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1951 Refugee Convention. La Casita also warned against the risks of violating the principle of non-refoulement and the potential rise in xenophobic acts. Migrants like Mariela Torres, a mother of two, and Luis Carlos Gómez, a cook in Port of Spain, shared their fears of sudden deportation and the disruption of their lives. Carolina Pérez, a small business owner, stressed that Venezuelan migrants seek stability and the opportunity to contribute to TT’s economy and culture. As tensions between Caracas and Port of Spain persist, social organizations urge governments to prioritize dialogue and humanitarian considerations in addressing migration challenges.
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‘Bahamasair abandoned us in Jamaica’
A Bahamian woman stranded in Jamaica has accused Bahamasair of failing its passengers after abruptly canceling flights as Hurricane Melissa approached. The traveler, a survivor of Hurricane Dorian, described the ordeal as a traumatic experience, reminiscent of her past struggles during natural disasters. She was among a group of approximately 50 Bahamians who traveled to Jamaica for a wedding but found themselves trapped as the Category Five storm made landfall. Their scheduled return flight on Bahamasair was canceled with minimal notice, leaving them stranded at the Dreams Rose Hall Resort & Spa in Montego Bay. The Davis administration stepped in to cover accommodations for some group members who could not afford extended stays. The traveler expressed frustration, stating, ‘As a flag carrier, you let us down again. There’s so much more you could’ve done.’ Bahamasair officials did not respond to requests for comment. Hurricane Melissa caused significant damage across Jamaica’s western region before weakening as it moved toward Cuba and The Bahamas. The storm’s impact led to chaos at the resort, including a collapsed roof and a fire, forcing guests into panic mode. The group remains uncertain about their return, as Jamaica’s main airports sustained substantial damage. Tourism Minister Chester Cooper assured that Bahamasair would resume flights once airports reopen and assist with recovery efforts. Bahamas Consul General Alveta Knight confirmed no injuries among Bahamians in Jamaica and praised local telecom companies for providing phone credit to stranded students. She emphasized the need for regional relief efforts and thanked the Bahamian community for their support.
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Message from monster Melissa
As Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful Atlantic cyclones in history, battered Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and the Bahamas, it left behind a trail of devastation that underscores two critical issues: the escalating climate crisis and the indispensable role of Caribbean unity. The storm, with sustained winds exceeding 157 mph, caused significant damage, displacing thousands and claiming lives even before making landfall. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness reported severe impacts on infrastructure, including roads, hospitals, and properties, as the storm reached Category 5 intensity. In Haiti, floodwaters claimed 25 lives, including children, while Cuba evacuated 735,000 residents. The storm’s ferocity was fueled by unusually warm seawater, a direct consequence of climate change. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that humanity has already surpassed the 1.5°C global heating target, with devastating consequences for ecosystems worldwide. Despite these warnings, global discourse remains mired in political divisions, with oil and gas interests influencing populist agendas. Even figures like Bill Gates have downplayed the urgency, suggesting humanity can adapt to climate change. Meanwhile, regional leaders like Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago have undermined Caribbean unity, prioritizing national interests over collective action. Hurricane Melissa serves as a stark reminder that no nation is an island; the Caribbean must stand together to face the existential threat of climate change.
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WATCH: US disaster relief team arrives in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a significant move to bolster recovery efforts following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa, the United States Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) touched down at Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston on Thursday. The arrival of the team, accompanied by critical relief supplies, marks a pivotal moment in the international aid response to the Caribbean nation’s plight.