Hurricane Melissa death toll rises as storm wreaks destruction across Caribbean – as it happened

The article discusses the impact of Hurricane Melissa, a category 5 storm that made landfall in Jamaica as a record-breaking and destructive storm. The storm caused widespread damage and flooding across the Caribbean, including in Haiti, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Cuba.

In Haiti, at least 25 people have been killed by the storm's rains, which swelled river banks and caused massive flooding. In Jamaica, four bodies were recovered on Wednesday, with two found dead in the Black River area and two in the Gallon Beach district. The storm also caused significant damage to buildings and roads, with many areas still isolated without communication.

The US government has responded to the disaster, with Disaster Assistance Response Team personnel from across the country en route to Jamaica, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic to provide aid and support. The team will focus on temporary housing, food, and hygiene kits for those in need.

Airports in Jamaica were set to reopen on Thursday for emergency relief flights after sustaining only superficial damage. The minister of energy, telecommunications and transport said that there are a lot of Jamaicans and other persons who want to help who they want to get in.

The storm has also caused significant disruption to transportation and communication services, with many communities still isolated without electricity or access to basic necessities.

Overall, the article highlights the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa on the Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica and Haiti. The US government's response to the disaster is a positive step towards providing aid and support to those affected by the storm.

Oh noooo so many people lost their life it's just too sad... The damage is huge I feel for all those who are struggling right now It's good to see the US government helping out Disaster Assistance Response Team temporary housing food and hygiene kits will help alot

Airports reopening on Thursday is a big deal and it's great that people wanna help just imagine how hard life must be for those isolated areas no electricity no communication But still, the positivity shines through The Caribbean will get through this we all hope so

man this hurricane is wild I got some ins from inside the gov't meetings before melissa hit and it was clear they were preparing for the worst. but still, 25 ppl dead in haiti? that's just heartbreaking and the fact that airports in jamaica are reopening by thursday shows how quickly things can turn around. but seriously though, where's the long-term plan to rebuild infrastructure and support those affected? it's all about emergency relief for now

ugh I cant even imagine living through that ... 25 lives lost is just insane and its not even the damage or flooding thats unbearable, its the fact that ppl are stuck without basic necessities like electricity and clean water it breaks my heart thinking about families who got separated from each other in all this chaos . and the fact that ppl are showing up to help is amazing but I feel like were just scratching the surface here, we need more than just aid and support, we need real solutions for these communities ... like permanent housing options or reliable access to clean water and electricity

The news about Hurricane Melissa is really heartbreaking - 25 people already lost their lives in Haiti alone... it's just devastating . I think the US government is doing what they can to help, but more needs to be done ASAP . I mean, who wants to travel to Jamaica right now? Not me! The damage from the storm is massive, and many areas are still isolated... it's like they're cut off from the rest of the world . Can't wait for those airports to reopen so help can get in . Maybe we can also send some aid directly to them? That'd be amazing .

This storm has done so much damage, it's crazy... I mean, 25 people dead in Haiti is just devastating . The roads and buildings in Jamaica are all messed up too . It's good that the US government is sending aid to help with the temporary housing and food situation though . But seriously, how did this storm even make landfall as a category 5? That's just crazy . And the fact that many communities don't have electricity or basic necessities anymore... it's just heartbreaking .

just saw that hurricane melissa hit caribbean so many people died in haiti 25 is crazy how usa sent disastor team to help with food and shelter airport opening in jamaica too which is a relief hopefully ppl get back to normal life soon

I don't think its gonna be that bad, I mean yeah the damage is crazy but we'll get through it, right? All these aid teams rushing in are just gonna stir up more drama and make a mess of things for the locals. And have you seen those airports reopening on Thursday? Like what's the point of that, just to let a bunch of tourists fly in and out again? I don't get it...

.. can you believe this ? A category 5 hurricane is just so wild! I mean, I've heard of hurricanes being super powerful before, but this one seems like it's on another level... 25 deaths in Haiti alone is just heartbreaking . And the fact that there are still areas in Jamaica without communication or electricity is just crazy . The US government stepping in to help is definitely a big plus, though - I'm sure they'll do their best to get aid and supplies to those who need it most . It's always so inspiring to see people come together to support each other during times like this... and the fact that there are Jamaicans and others who want to volunteer to help is just amazing !

omg just watched the live feed from Jamaica and it's so bad ... 25 people dead is crazy can't believe the destruction, like buildings are literally torn apart roads are flooded everywhere and power outages are killing people who need electricity to stay safe the US team getting there ASAP is a huge relief, at least they're on their way hopefully they can bring some much-needed help soon

I'M SO SAD ABOUT THIS STORM!!! IT'S JUST NOT RIGHT THAT HURRICANE MELISSA CAUSES SUCH DESTRUCTION AND LOSSES OF LIFE IN THESE VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES. THE FACT THAT 25 PEOPLE LOST THEIR LIVES IN HAITI IS JUST TRAGIC AND MY HEART GOES OUT TO THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES. I HOPE THE US GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSE CAN BRING SOME RELIEF TO THOSE AFFECTED, ESPECIALLY WITH THE DISASTER ASSISTANCE RESPONSE TEAM BEING DEPLOYED TO THE AREA. IT'S ALSO GOOD TO SEE THAT THERE ARE MANY JAMAICANS AND OTHER PEOPLE WANTING TO HELP, IT SHOWS THAT THERE IS STILL KINDNESS AND GENEROSITY IN THIS WORLD

Oh man, this is just heartbreaking! 25 lives lost already? And in Haiti, I mean... that country has been through so much. The thought of all these people struggling to get basic necessities like food and shelter is just unbearable.

And the fact that there are still areas isolated without electricity or communication? It's like they're stuck in a time warp. We need to get help to those people ASAP! I'm glad the US government is sending aid, but I wish it was faster. This storm has been wreaking havoc for days now.

I hope Jamaica gets back on its feet soon, especially with all the damage to their infrastructure. The thought of rebuilding and recovery is just exhausting. We need to be there for these people, we can't just leave them to pick up the pieces.

I keep thinking about how our world can just turn upside down like that... one minute everything is fine, next minute its like the end of the world . And you know what really gets me? All this destruction, all these lives lost or changed forever... it's not just about the physical damage, but also the emotional toll on people . I mean, can we even begin to imagine how hard it must be for those affected by Hurricane Melissa, who are still trying to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives? And then there's this amazing response from the US government... I guess its a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope and kindness to be found .

OMG just saw news about Hurricane Melissa it's like, soooo bad!!! 25 people lost their lives in Haiti and many more are still missing . And Jamaica is also getting hit hard with flooding and damage everywhere . I hope the US team gets there ASAP to help with food, water and shelter . It's so sad to see these beautiful islands going through this . Let's all send our thoughts and prayers to those affected by the storm .

"The biggest danger for most of us right now is not the virus, but our own habits: smoking, overeating, lack of exercise." But I think its more like "The earth has enough resources for everyone's need, not just their greed". We should be grateful that the US government is sending help to those in need. The people of Jamaica and Haiti are going through a tough time right now.

My heart goes out to all those who are struggling in Jamaica and especially Haiti after that devastating storm . It's just heartbreaking to think of all those people losing their loved ones and homes... 25 lives lost is just too many . I can only imagine how scary it must have been for everyone, waiting for the storm to pass, not knowing if you'd be okay or not . But it's amazing to see the US government sending help and aid - that's a big step in the right direction . And it's so beautiful to hear that many Jamaicans want to volunteer and help their own country recover... that kind of community spirit is just inspiring . I'm keeping all those affected by Hurricane Melissa in my thoughts and sending lots of love and positive vibes

Man, this hurricane has left so many people in a state of distress... I feel so bad for all the folks who lost loved ones or homes . It's crazy how quickly the situation can turn from sunny skies to total chaos . The US response is a big help tho, it's always great to see people coming together to lend a hand .

But, I gotta wonder, what about all the smaller communities that aren't getting as much attention? Are they really gonna get the support they need or are they just an afterthought? . Also, how long is it gonna take for everyone to be back on their feet? It's not just about physical damage, but also mental health and all that... .

I'm just hoping that the Jamaican government can get everything sorted out soon and people can start rebuilding their lives . And, I mean, I know this is a big ask, but what about long-term solutions? Like, how are they gonna make sure something like this doesn't happen again?

just heard about this crazy hurricane that hit Jamaica 25 ppl are already dead & it's still only been a few days so sad for everyone who lost loved ones or homes can't even imagine the trauma & stress ppl must be going through right now airports reopening soon though is good to hear at least some aid is on the way from the US hoping those in need get the support they deserve

I'm surprised they're saying it was only superficial damage at the airports... that can't be true, I've seen footage of the damage online . Airports are always hard hit in storms like this and it's a good thing the planes were able to make it out safely. And 4 bodies recovered in Jamaica? That sounds way too low considering how badly the storm hit... was there maybe just one fatality or something?

I was just thinking about trying that new jerk chicken place downtown . Have you guys tried it? I mean, I've heard great things but also some mixed reviews... like my friend's sister went there with her boyfriend from Canada and they had a major food fight . But anyway, back to the storm... what's up with all these hurricanes happening in the Caribbean? It's crazy how quickly those storms can form and hit land . Anyway, I've been meaning to ask, have you guys seen that video of the blue whale from last year? It was insane