The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that Hurricane Melissa, a powerful storm that struck the Caribbean Sea in late October, affected over 5 million people across Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti. The storm killed at least 75 people and displaced or forced the evacuation of over 770,000.
In its latest situation report, released on Saturday, OCHA stated that some communities in the three countries remain cut off, and access and logistics constraints are slowing assessments and the delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid, after the storm caused widespread devastation, damaging infrastructure, schools, hospitals, and agricultural lands and destroying tens of thousands of homes and other buildings.
Jamaica
In Jamaica, the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa continues to hinder daily life. More than 4.8 million tons of debris obstruct roads and public areas, hindering relief efforts. Approximately 30 communities remain isolated, further complicating the provision of essential services and hindering the progress of recovery operations.
The western and southern parishes of Jamaica were the hardest hit. Over 1.6 million people were impacted, and significant damage was reported in key economic and population centers. Debris littered roads and public spaces, access routes were blocked, and essential services were interrupted.
According to the OCHA, urgent needs include access to clean water, fuel for health facilities, food, shelter materials, and psychosocial support. Health services remain overburdened, with many facilities relying on generators and temporary supply networks, and all secondary hospitals operating in emergency-only mode.
The Jamaican government estimates losses of between US$6 and 7 billion, which is equivalent to about a third of Jamaica's 2024/25 projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The agriculture and tourism sectors were severely impacted by the storm, which destroyed crops and killed livestock. Extensive housing damage has affected more than 120,000 buildings, many of which are classified as severely or catastrophically damaged.
Cuba
More than a week after Hurricane Melissa hit eastern Cuba, the full extent of the devastation is still unfolding, especially in Santiago de Cuba and Granma provinces, which were struck the hardest by the storm. The hurricane significantly impacted Cuba, leading to the launch of a $74 million Plan of Action to assist one million people across four eastern provinces.
Over 54,000 people in Cuba remain evacuated, with 7,500 housed in state shelters. The storm damaged over 76,000 homes, primarily roofs, as well as 642 healthcare institutions and 2,117 schools.
OCHA reports that agricultural losses surpassed 103,000 hectares, with significant damage to grain, cassava, plantain, and coffee crops. Dozens of communities, particularly in rural zones, remain isolated due to infrastructure collapse, blocked access routes, and flooding, which complicates relief delivery and recovery.
Within the education sector, 41 percent of schools in the affected provinces have been damaged to some extent, with the highest numbers recorded in Santiago de Cuba and HolguÃn.
Haiti
Haiti is still dealing with the severe humanitarian consequences of Hurricane Melissa, which brought torrential rain, flooding, landslides, and dangerous sea conditions to the southern peninsula and parts of the Ouest department. The Sud, Grand’Anse, Nippes, and Ouest regions have been hit hardest, with widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, bridges, and community water systems.
Aid agencies are working tirelessly to support those affected in the Grand Sud region, where 43 deaths have been confirmed and more than 1,700 people have been displaced and are currently living in ten shelters. Despite these efforts, access to food, water, and healthcare remains limited due to ongoing security issues and logistical challenges.
According to OCHA, earlier in the week, flooding and heavy rainfall temporarily isolated multiple communities. Damage to health facilities, water networks, and electricity systems further complicates response operations. In Grand’Anse, several communal sections remain isolated, hindering humanitarian access.
International support and coordination efforts
The United Nations and its partner organizations are supporting government-led response efforts in three Caribbean countries. Rapid Needs Assessment Teams, including groups from the United States and the United Kingdom, as well as regional teams from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), are working with national authorities to assess the situation and coordinate the response.
Several international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are supporting these efforts. OCHA is providing assistance with coordination and information management to ensure consistent information flows among aid organizations and effective planning across different sectors.
Further information
Full text: The Caribbean: Hurricane Melissa - Flash Update No. 5 (as of 8 November 2025), UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, report, published November 8, 2025
https://reliefweb.int/attachments/5a9b1542-6a56-4c26-9039-7207b497cf0d/2025-11-07%20CBN%20Melissa%20-%20Flash%20Update%205%20%28ENG%29.pdf