At least 49 people have been killed in Haiti and Jamaica following devastating floods caused by Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the Atlantic, according to international news agencies.
Authorities in Haiti confirmed that 30 people have died and more than 20 others remain missing as rescue operations continue. Officials told Al Jazeera that search and recovery efforts are ongoing, warning that the death toll could rise as floodwaters recede.
In Jamaica, Reuters reported that 19 fatalities have been confirmed after the storm’s heavy rains and destructive winds swept across the island, causing extensive damage to homes, roads, and infrastructure.
Hurricane Melissa, with winds reaching up to 295 kilometers per hour, has been described by meteorologists as one of the most intense Atlantic hurricanes on record. The storm unleashed widespread devastation along Jamaica’s western coast before moving toward Haiti and other parts of the Caribbean.
Officials have warned that Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica are likely to experience further destruction as the hurricane continues its path across the region.
Hundreds of thousands of residents have been left without power, and emergency crews are working to restore electricity and clear debris in affected areas.