Tropical cyclone Melissa devastated the Caribbean, making landfall in Jamaica and causing at least 50 fatalities, with damages estimated between $48 billion to $52 billion.
- Melissa made landfall in Jamaica, becoming the most powerful storm to directly hit the island since 1988, resulting in catastrophic damage and loss of life.
- The storm heavily impacted Haiti, flooding areas and cutting off communities, while also causing significant disruptions across Cuba, exacerbating an already challenging humanitarian situation.
- AccuWeather estimates the economic loss from Melissa could range from $48 billion to $52 billion, highlighting the extensive infrastructure damage across the Caribbean.
Why It Matters
Melissa serves as a stark reminder of the increasing intensity of tropical cyclones in the Caribbean, raising concerns about climate change and disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions.