Hurricane Melissa's Devastating Aftermath: Death Toll Rises to 45 in Jamaica Amidst Ongoing Rescue Efforts

The death toll from Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica has tragically risen to 45, with an additional 15 individuals still reported missing, according to officials on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. The catastrophic Category 5 storm made landfall on October 28, leaving a trail of unprecedented destruction across the island.

wmo.int reported, Rescue efforts are intensely focused on reaching two towns that have remained cut off since the hurricane struck, hindering comprehensive damage assessments. Authorities anticipate that the number of fatalities will likely increase as access improves and search operations continue in these isolated areas.

Hurricane Melissa, described as the strongest landfalling storm in Jamaica's recorded history, brought life-threatening winds of nearly 300 km/h and devastating storm surges, as reported by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared Jamaica a "disaster area" on October 28, highlighting the immense scale of the crisis.

thehindu.com noted, The storm's impact extends beyond Jamaica, with significant devastation also reported in other Caribbean nations. Southwestern Haiti, for instance, has attributed at least 43 deaths to Melissa, underscoring the widespread regional catastrophe, The Hindu stated.

Initial economic damage estimates for Jamaica range from $6 billion to $7 billion, representing 28% to 32% of the nation's GDP, Prime Minister Holness announced on November 5. However, Moody's later warned that economic losses could potentially exceed $20 billion, equivalent to Jamaica's entire annual GDP, signaling a far graver crisis.

mayberryinv.com reported, Humanitarian aid has begun to pour into the affected nations, with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) dispatching 64 tons of supplies to Jamaica. The United States government has also pledged an additional $10 million, bringing its total assistance to nearly $37 million for the affected countries, including Jamaica and Haiti, according to The Hindu.

Experts from World Weather Attribution have concluded that human-caused climate change significantly intensified Hurricane Melissa, increasing its maximum wind speeds by 7% and extreme rainfall by 16%. This analysis highlights a "dangerous new reality" for the region, as stated by The Guardian.

• Unprecedented Storm Intensity and Climate Change Link: Hurricane Melissa made history as the strongest hurricane ever to make landfall in Jamaica, with sustained winds reaching 185 mph (297 km/h). A rapid analysis by World Weather Attribution found that climate change increased Melissa's maximum wind speeds by 7% and made the rainfall 16% more intense, attributing the atmospheric and marine conditions behind such extreme events to be six times more likely due to global heating.
• Widespread Infrastructure Collapse and Displacement: The Category 5 storm caused extensive damage, initially leaving at least 75% of the island without electricity and severely impacting communication networks. The Hindu reported that 30,000 households have been displaced, with 1,100 people still residing in 88 active emergency shelters as of November 11. Many roadways remain blocked by debris, complicating relief efforts.
• Staggering Economic Repercussions: Prime Minister Andrew Holness informed the House of Representatives that the initial cost of damage is estimated at $6 billion to $7 billion, representing a significant portion of Jamaica's GDP. Moody's later provided a more dire assessment, suggesting that economic losses could exceed $20 billion, equivalent to the country's entire annual GDP, far surpassing the impact of previous major hurricanes like Gilbert or Ivan.
• Challenges in Rescue and Recovery Operations: The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Jamaica's coordinating body for disaster management, is leading the complex rescue operations. Director General Alvin Gayle confirmed that helicopters are being utilized to deliver essential supplies to the two towns that remain cut off, underscoring the severe logistical challenges posed by damaged infrastructure.
• International Aid and Support Mobilization: In response to the crisis, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an emergency appeal for 19 million Swiss francs and dispatched 64 tons of humanitarian aid, including shelter kits and tarpaulins. The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is also intensifying relief efforts, planning to assist up to 200,000 people in Jamaica with food and cash transfers.
• Long-Term Resilience and Preparedness: Prime Minister Holness emphasized the need for long-term resilience in rebuilding efforts, including relocating parts of the electrical grid underground. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) plays a crucial role in developing and implementing policies for national preparedness and advocating for risk reduction measures, as outlined by the Jamaica Information Service.
• Regional Impact and Broader Caribbean Vulnerability: Hurricane Melissa's destructive path extended across the Caribbean, impacting Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti. The World Meteorological Organization noted that the storm caused torrential rain and flooding in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with over 50 fatalities reported across these nations. This highlights the ongoing vulnerability of Caribbean islands to increasingly intense weather events.