At least seven people have died as Category 5 Hurricane Melissa battered the northern Caribbean this week, with Jamaica bearing the brunt of the storm's landfall on Tuesday. Local media reports confirm fatalities across multiple countries and regions, including Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the island of Jamaica.
The hurricane – one of the strongest Atlantic storms this decade – triggered flash floods and landslides after making landfall near Jamaica's southwestern coast. Emergency responders are working to restore communication lines and assess infrastructure damage in remote mountainous areas.
Meteorologists warn that climate patterns could intensify storm activity in the Caribbean this season. The disaster highlights growing concerns about extreme weather preparedness in small island nations facing rising sea levels and warming oceans.
Regional authorities have activated cross-border disaster response protocols, while international aid organizations monitor the situation closely. Travel advisories remain in effect for coastal areas of affected countries and regions as Melissa moves northwest toward open waters.
