标签： Haiti

Haiti and Jamaica are bracing for the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, with the Haitian Hydrometeorological Unit (U.H.M) issuing a red alert for the South and Grand’Anse departments. This highest level of warning signifies imminent danger from heavy rainfall and powerful winds expected to persist through the weekend and into early next week. Meanwhile, the Nippes, West, and South-East departments remain on orange alert, indicating moderate but still significant risks.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a hurricane watch for Haiti’s southwestern peninsula, extending from the Dominican Republic border to Port-au-Prince, as Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to intensify into a hurricane on October 25, 2025. Currently located approximately 385 km southwest of Port-au-Prince at 16.3°N latitude and 75.0°W longitude, Melissa is moving slowly west-northwest at 6 km/h. Forecasts predict a northward and northeastward turn by Monday, potentially bringing the storm near or over Jamaica and eastern Cuba in the coming days. Melissa is anticipated to produce torrential rainfall, with accumulations of 15 to 25 inches (38 to 63 cm) in southern Hispaniola and up to 35 inches (88 cm) in Haiti’s Tiburon Peninsula. This deluge is expected to trigger life-threatening flash floods and landslides, severely damaging infrastructure and isolating communities. Maximum sustained winds of 110 km/h (70 mph) are expected to strengthen rapidly, with Melissa likely becoming a major hurricane by Sunday. The Haiti Hydro-Meteorological Unit (UHM) has maintained an orange alert for several departments, including the South, Southeast, Grand’Anse, Nippes, West, and the Central Plateau. Additionally, the Haitian Maritime and Navigation Service (SEMANAH) has suspended all coastal activities due to hazardous swells. Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant, avoid waterways, and follow safety guidelines to mitigate risks during this critical period.

Haiti is currently navigating a complex landscape of security challenges and educational opportunities. The Embassy of Haiti in Brazil has announced that the University of Santa Cruz do Sul (UNISC) is offering fully-funded Masters and Doctorate scholarships for international students for the academic year 2026. Applications are open until November 17, 2025, with eligibility requiring a License for Master’s programs and a Master’s degree for Doctorate programs. Interested candidates can apply via the UNISC website.

Meanwhile, Haiti continues to grapple with escalating security issues. Jocelyne Colas, Director of the Episcopal Commission for Justice and Peace, reported a surge in kidnappings, particularly in Delmas and Pétion-ville. In a recent clash in Desarmes, more than a dozen armed bandits were killed by law enforcement and self-defense groups, with no casualties reported among the police or civilians.

In a related development, U.S. Ambassador to Haiti, Henry Wooste, emphasized the challenges in deploying the new Gang Repression Force (FRG). He acknowledged public impatience but highlighted the complexity of assembling a multinational force of over 5,000 personnel.

On the political front, Jacques Desrosiers, President of the Provisional Electoral Council, announced that elections could be held within eight months, contingent on restored security and adequate funding. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, also presented a comprehensive report on Haiti’s situation to the Security Council, detailing recent developments since June 2025.

In a significant step towards fostering international collaboration, Angie Bell, the Mayor of Cap-Haitien, actively participated in the Florida International Trade & Cultural Expo (FITCE 2025) on October 22 and 23, 2025. The event, hosted at the Broward County Convention Center in Florida, was orchestrated by the Broward County Office of Economic & Small Business Development, attracting municipal leaders, investors, diplomats, and economic stakeholders from over fifty nations. Mayor Bell was a featured speaker on a panel discussing investment opportunities in the Caribbean and Latin America. During her address, she underscored Cap-Haitien’s strategic advantages, including its youthful population, proximity to the U.S. market, and potential in sectors like light processing, agribusiness, and cultural tourism. ‘Cap-Haitien is a historic city, globally oriented, and eager to forge lasting partnerships rooted in trust, innovation, and respect for our identity,’ she remarked. Beyond the panel, Mayor Bell engaged in productive dialogues with private sector representatives, Broward County officials, and influential members of the Haitian diaspora dedicated to Haiti’s economic progress. This participation aligns with Cap-Haitien’s broader strategy of decentralized cooperation and municipal diplomacy, aiming to strengthen ties with the diaspora and unlock sustainable growth opportunities for the city.

Haiti is grappling with the devastating impact of Tropical Storm Melissa, which has already claimed three lives and left five injured. The storm, located 340 km south of Les Cayes and 475 km southwest of Port-au-Prince, is moving north-northwest at 3-5 km/h, with forecasts predicting intensification over the weekend. The Civil Protection Department’s latest report highlights severe weather conditions across multiple regions, including landslides, flooding, and infrastructure damage. In Port-au-Prince, a landslide in Fontamara resulted in two fatalities and one injury, adding to the storm’s toll. The Artibonite, Southeast, North, and West departments have experienced heavy rains, coastal flooding, and rough seas, with significant damage to coastal facilities in Jacmel. Rivers such as the Artibonite, Lociane, and Saint-Martin have overflowed, causing further destruction. Infrastructure has been severely affected, with landslides blocking roads and a bridge destroyed in Sainte-Suzanne. The storm has also damaged homes in Port-de-Paix. Forecasts warn of heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides in the Grand Sud and Ouest departments, with hurricane-like conditions possible within 48 hours. Emergency operations are underway, with the Haitian National Police and Civil Protection Directorate mobilizing resources for rescue and evacuation efforts. Authorities urge vigilance, preventive evacuations, and the closure of schools and public gatherings to mitigate risks.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a critical update on Tropical Storm Melissa, warning of severe and prolonged weather conditions in Haiti. As of 5:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on October 24, 2025, the storm’s center was located approximately 445 km southwest of Port-au-Prince, with coordinates at 16.0 degrees north latitude and 75.5 degrees west longitude. Melissa is nearly stationary but is expected to drift northeast and northward later in the day, followed by a westward trajectory from Saturday through Monday. The storm is forecasted to bring heavy rainfall of 20 to 35 cm across southern Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, with potential for life-threatening flash floods and landslides. Southern Haiti is particularly at risk, with significant damage to infrastructure and prolonged isolation of communities anticipated. Maximum sustained winds are currently near 75 km/h, with higher gusts, and the storm is expected to strengthen into a hurricane by the weekend. The Maritime and Navigation Service of Haiti (SEMANAH) has suspended all coastal activities in the southern region due to dangerous swells. A Hurricane Watch is in effect for Haiti’s southwest peninsula, and multiple departments have been placed on orange alert. Authorities are urging residents to take immediate precautions, including avoiding watercourses, securing important documents, and staying informed through reliable sources.