Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on October 29, 2025, causing widespread devastation before moving on to impact Haiti and Cuba. The storm, classified as a Category 5 hurricane, resulted in significant loss of life and property, with estimates indicating at least 67 fatalities across the affected regions. The recovery from this catastrophic event will require a coordinated global effort.
Cuba has reported that more than 54,000 individuals are currently displaced, with approximately 7,500 residing in official shelters, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA). The damage has surpassed initial assessments, affecting over 600 health facilities and damaging around 90,000 homes. UN agencies are actively supporting the recovery efforts, having provided assistance to about 140,000 people through shelters and community kitchens. They are also delivering agricultural tools and livestock feed to help restore livelihoods and enhance disease control measures.
In Haiti, the impact of Hurricane Melissa has been equally severe, with over 40 lives lost and extensive damage reported across multiple departments. Humanitarian partners are intensifying their operations to address the urgent needs of affected communities.
The United States has committed nearly $37 million in emergency assistance to support recovery efforts across the region, according to the Department of State. While this funding represents a significant contribution, some observers have noted that it pales in comparison to the proposed $40 billion bailout for Argentina.
International support has also been evident from other nations. Venezuela has dispatched a second ship of aid to Cuba, while Jamaican officials have expressed gratitude for the support received from Canada in the aftermath of the hurricane. Communities across the United States are mobilizing as well, with various local efforts underway to provide relief to those affected by the storm.
As discussions continue at the COP30 climate change conference in Brazil, the impact of Hurricane Melissa is central to conversations about climate resilience. UnaMay Gordon, a former director of climate change for the Jamaican government, highlighted the catastrophic nature of the storm, emphasizing that it represents a loss of cultural heritage and identity for the people of Jamaica. The Prime Minister of Jamaica has indicated that the damages are estimated to be equivalent to 28% to 32% of the nation’s gross domestic product.
According to Theresa Rodriguez-Moodie, CEO of the Jamaica Environment Trust, the increasing intensity of storms like Melissa is a direct consequence of the ongoing climate crisis. She has called for immediate action, stating, “What we need now is radical change. We need commitments. We need adaptation financing. We need Loss and Damage money… now is not the time to pause.”
The urgency of these recovery efforts cannot be overstated. As noted by Dr. Glen Barry, the frequency of hurricanes is increasing, and the time between storms is shorter than the time needed for full recovery. This creates a compounding disaster trap that is challenging for affected island nations to escape.
Organizations such as World Central Kitchen are on the ground providing essential food aid. They have expanded operations to support those in need, distributing food kits and kitchen supplies to families who lost their cooking appliances.
While many individuals in the United States may be facing their own financial challenges, there are opportunities to contribute to recovery efforts. Sharing information and updates about ongoing relief initiatives can help keep the plight of those affected by Hurricane Melissa in public discourse, ensuring that the need for continued support remains visible.
The recovery from Hurricane Melissa is a complex endeavor that will require sustained commitment and international cooperation. As the affected regions begin to heal, it is imperative that they are not forgotten in the global conversation about climate change and disaster preparedness.
