The death toll from Hurricane Melissa continues to climb across the Caribbean, with Haiti reporting at least 31 fatalities and Jamaica confirming 19 deaths.
Haiti's Civil Protection Directorate (DPC) announced on Friday that Hurricane Melissa has caused flooding and landslides resulting in at least 31 deaths, 21 missing, and 20 injured across various regions of the country, according to EFE.
The area hit hardest is Pétit-Goâve, located south of Port-au-Prince, where 23 deaths have been confirmed, including ten children, due to the overflowing of the La Digue River. Local rescue teams are tirelessly searching through debris and flooded areas under extremely challenging conditions.
"The situation is dire. The river overflowed, sweeping away entire homes and leaving hundreds of families homeless," a DPC spokesperson told local media. North of Port-au-Prince, a body was discovered in the sea after being swept away by strong currents.
The Haitian government has declared a national emergency and is seeking international assistance to aid the most affected populations, where thousands are displaced and basic services remain collapsed.
Meanwhile, in Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of devastation. Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon reported that 19 people have died and dozens are missing after the cyclone struck the island's southwest as a Category 5 hurricane.
Rescue teams have found eight bodies in Saint Elizabeth, nine in Westmoreland, and two in Saint James, one of them a child, according to Dixon. Authorities fear the death toll could rise as access is gained to rural areas that remain cut off.
"We are facing one of the worst natural disasters in our recent history," Dixon stated. "Rescue operations are ongoing, and we are grateful for the international solidarity we are receiving."
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 storm, with sustained winds reaching up to 183 mph, before moving on to eastern Cuba, where it also caused severe material damage, power outages, and widespread flooding.
The scale of destruction in the Caribbean has been described by international organizations as "an unfolding humanitarian crisis." The United Nations, UNICEF, and the Red Cross have announced the deployment of emergency aid to the hardest-hit areas.
Understanding the Impact of Hurricane Melissa
How many people have died due to Hurricane Melissa in Haiti and Jamaica?
Hurricane Melissa has resulted in at least 31 deaths in Haiti and 19 in Jamaica.
What steps has the Haitian government taken in response to the hurricane?
The Haitian government has declared a national emergency and is seeking international aid to assist the most affected communities.
What was the strength of Hurricane Melissa when it hit Jamaica?
Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane, with sustained winds of up to 183 mph.