Bahamas Hurricane "Melissa" rages in the Caribbean - more than 30 dead
Hurricane "Melissa", which caused devastating damage in the Caribbean states of Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti, is now passing over the island chain of the Bahamas in the Atlantic.
30.10.2025, 04:12
SDA
According to preliminary information from the authorities, more than 30 people have died in the Caribbean as a result of the storm. Initial clean-up work has already begun in Jamaica, but reconstruction is likely to take a long time due to the catastrophic damage in some areas. US President Donald Trump announced support for the affected countries.
On Wednesday (local time), "Melissa" reached the Bahamas. The archipelago in the Atlantic southeast of the US state of Florida was threatened by destructive winds, torrential rain and a dangerous storm surge, according to the US hurricane center in Miami.
With sustained wind speeds of up to 150 kilometers per hour, "Melissa" is now a hurricane of the lowest category 1. The center of the hurricane is moving relatively quickly towards the northeast. After the Bahamas, the storm system should head for Bermuda.
Around 1,500 people brought to safety in the Bahamas
In the Bahamas, the government ordered evacuations for six of the more than 700 islands. Around 1,500 people were airlifted out of the endangered areas before air traffic was suspended. "We are prepared for this moment. Whatever happens, we will rebuild," said Prime Minister Philip Davis. Only 30 of the islands in the Bahamas are inhabited and tourism is the most important economic sector.
"Melissa" first hit the island state of Jamaica on Tuesday (local time) as a category 5 hurricane. There were storm surges, destructive winds and heavy rainfall. The government declared the island a disaster area.
Pictures and videos from the affected areas show destroyed houses, flooded streets and fallen trees. The storm also knocked down many pylons and caused power cuts. Hospitals, schools, churches and bridges were also damaged in many places.
"The damage is extensive, but we will put all our energy into a strong recovery," wrote Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness on the X platform. He posted a video with aerial footage showing severely affected areas in the St. Elizabeth district. At least nine people died in Jamaica: six as a result of the storm itself and three during preparations for the hurricane, according to local media reports citing the police.
Cuba's president chairs emergency meeting
After Jamaica, the hurricane moved on to Cuba, having weakened somewhat. There, too, the hurricane caused severe devastation. Many coffee and banana plantations were destroyed. "The night was hard and long," said President Miguel Díaz-Canel at a meeting to assess the damage, which was broadcast live on state television. The worst part was the flooding. Despite the extent of the damage, there have been no fatalities so far. "We are alive," said Díaz-Canel. "Our victory is life"
According to government figures, more than 735,000 people were brought to safety from the storm in Cuba - out of a population of almost ten million. The east of the country was particularly affected.
A river burst its banks in Haiti with devastating consequences
At least 24 people lost their lives in Haiti. In the Haitian community of Petit Goâve alone, around 20 people died when a river burst its banks due to persistent rainfall in the west of the country. The head of the civil defense, Emmanuel Pierre, told local media that at least 18 more people are missing. Half of the fatalities were children. Houses, cars and livestock were swept away by the masses of water and fields were destroyed, reported the newspaper "Le Nouvelliste", citing eyewitnesses. In the Dominican Republic, one person died in connection with the storm.
USA sends help
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent a disaster relief team to the region, including search and rescue teams. The experts are to determine the need for aid and support initial search and rescue operations, according to the State Department. They are working with the United Nations, non-governmental organizations and the governments of the affected countries to provide food, water, medical supplies, hygiene products and emergency shelters, it added.
