Hurricane Melissa live updates: No official death toll in Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa tore a path of destruction across Jamaica.

ByJack Moore, David Brennan, Emily Shapiro, and Meredith Deliso
Last Updated: October 30, 2025, 10:54 PM EDT

Hurricane Melissa tore a path of destruction across Jamaica after the storm made landfall on Tuesday as a Category 5 hurricane, one of the most powerful landfalls on record in the Atlantic basin.

After lashing Jamaica with dangerous winds and flooding rain, Melissa made a second landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane on Wednesday morning. Melissa then moved through the Bahamas, and next, on Thursday night, the storm will pass Bermuda as a Category 1 or 2 hurricane.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
Oct 29, 2025, 12:24 PM EDT

Military sends team to assess hurricane damage

The U.S. military command that oversees operations throughout South and Central America said it’s sending a team to assess the damage from Hurricane Melissa.

Residents dry belongings at a house damaged by Hurricane Melissa in Santa Cruz, Jamaica, Oct. 29, 2025.
Matias Delacroix/AP

"Future decisions on potential U.S. support will be based on their assessments," a U.S. Southern Command spokesperson said in a statement.

There are currently 10,000 troops deployed in the region, including eight Navy ships in the Caribbean Sea.

-ABC News’ Anne Flaherty

Oct 29, 2025, 11:59 AM EDT

Jamaica's prime minister issues 'all clear' to begin restoration operations

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has issued the "all clear" for the island, allowing utility companies to begin restoration and recovery operations.

A house with a damaged roof is seen after the passage of Hurricane Melissa in Manchester, Jamaica, October 28, 2025.
Ricardo Makyn/AFP via Getty Images

"The Government is also encouraging supermarkets, wholesales, gas stations, and pharmacies, particularly in less affected areas, to reopen where possible, to ensure that communities have access to essential goods and services," the prime minister said in a statement.

Residents are urged to maintain caution, “especially in areas where downed power lines, debris, or flooding may still pose risks,” he added.

-ABC News’ Othon Leyva

Oct 29, 2025, 11:51 AM EDT

No new fatalities reported in Jamaica

Search and rescue operations are underway across Jamaica, but no new fatalities have been reported, Desmond McKenzie, the minister of Local Government and Community Development, said Wednesday morning.

Damaged structures and boats are seen after Hurricane Melissa made landfall, in Alligator Pond, Jamaica, October 29, 2025.
Maria Alejandra Cardona/Reuters

"We are not in a position to speak about any deaths because have not had any reports of deaths so far. So, we cannot presume that there are deaths,” McKenzie said. “I am hoping that there are no deaths to report on. But we are not in a position to make an official statement on deaths because we have not received any such information."

At least three people died in Jamaica during storm preparations earlier this week, according to The Associated Press.

Oct 29, 2025, 11:44 AM EDT

Widespread destruction reported on western part of Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa struck the western part of Jamaica the hardest, leaving widespread destruction, officials said.

A store stands destroyed following the passage of Hurricane Melissa in Manchester, Jamaica, October 28, 2025.
Ricardo Makyn/AFP via Getty Images

Black River Hospital on the southwest side of the island has been devastated and several other hospitals suffered damage, Desmond McKenzie, the minister of Local Government and Community Development, said.

Many roads are flooded and crews are working to clear the roads that are blocked by debris, officials said.

Officials said they hope to open Norman Manly International Airport in Kingston for relief flights on Thursday.

-ABC News’ Othon Leyva

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