标签： Belize

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.

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.

Hurricane Melissa, a Category Five storm, has unleashed its fury on Jamaica, causing widespread devastation. The hurricane made landfall on the island’s southwest coast earlier today, bringing with it ferocious winds of 185 miles per hour and torrential rainfall estimated at 20 to 30 inches. The National Hurricane Center has warned of storm surges reaching 9 to 13 feet along the southern coastline, triggering flash floods and landslides. While the storm’s slow approach provided residents with additional preparation time, authorities are now urging everyone to remain in secure shelters. Among those seeking safety are dozens of Belizean students studying in Jamaica, many of whom have relocated to the residence of Belize’s Honorary Consul. The Jamaican government has issued an update on its relief strategies, emphasizing the need for a coordinated response. Dezmond Mckenzie, Minister of Local Government & Community Development, highlighted the challenges in delivering aid, stating that all airports remain closed and relief supplies must follow a documented, systematic process to ensure transparency and efficiency. A dedicated website has been established to streamline the coordination of international assistance.

Jamaica is grappling with unprecedented devastation as Hurricane Melissa, the first Category 5 hurricane to directly hit the island, leaves a trail of destruction in its wake. The storm has already claimed at least seven lives across the region, with three fatalities in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic. Hundreds of thousands are without power, and the Red Cross estimates that up to 1.5 million people could be affected. The Jamaican government has initiated rescue operations, but the extreme weather conditions have severely hampered efforts. Evan Thompson, Principal Director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, highlighted the challenges faced by emergency responders, noting that helicopters and coastguards cannot operate in such severe weather. Despite these obstacles, rescue teams managed to evacuate an elderly couple to safety and conducted search and rescue missions in Manderville. Dezmond Mckenzie, Minister of Local Government & Community Development, emphasized the government’s proactive planning, drawing lessons from past hurricanes like Beryl and Gilbert. He commended the team working tirelessly in the command center, gathering critical data to coordinate relief efforts. As the storm continues to wreak havoc, Jamaica remains on high alert, with rescue operations poised to intensify once conditions improve.