Key Updates
- Confirmed deaths: 45 in Jamaica, with 15 people still missing
- Displaced households: 30,000
- Emergency shelters: 88 shelters still housing 1,100 people
- Infrastructure recovery: Power restored to over 60% of customers, including Montego Bay airport
The death toll from Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica has climbed to 45, with 15 individuals still unaccounted for, authorities confirmed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Officials warn the number may increase further as rescue teams struggle to access two towns that have been completely cut off since the catastrophic Category 5 storm struck on October 28.
Emergency Response and Current Situation
Alvin Gayle, Director General of Jamaica’s emergency management office, reported that helicopters are airdropping essential supplies to the isolated communities. The storm has displaced 30,000 households, with approximately 1,100 people still residing in 88 operational emergency shelters.
Recovery efforts face significant challenges, with nearly three dozen roadways still blocked by debris. However, progress is being made on essential services. Mobile service has been restored to 50% of customers, and over 70% now have access to water.
Power Restoration Milestone
Crews have successfully restored electricity to more than 60% of customers. “This is a solid milestone given the scale of destruction,” stated Hugh Grant, president and CEO of Jamaica’s power company. A significant achievement was the restoration of power to Montego Bay’s international airport on Tuesday.
Regional Impact and International Aid
Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded, devastated Jamaica’s western region before moving to eastern Cuba, where it destroyed homes and agricultural land. The storm also caused severe flooding in southwestern Haiti, resulting in at least 43 fatalities.
International assistance continues to arrive in the affected nations. On Monday, November 10, the U.S. government announced an additional $10 million for Jamaica and $2.5 million for Haiti, bringing total U.S. aid for affected countries, including Cuba and the Bahamas, to nearly $37 million.
