• Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, has killed over 50 people across the Caribbean.
• Jamaica suffered severe damage, with 60% of the island without power and roads severely affected.
• International aid efforts are underway, with substantial support from the US and UK governments.
• Climate concerns have been raised due to the rapid intensification of the storm linked to warmer ocean waters.
• Authorities warn of increasing tolls as rescue efforts continue and impacts are assessed.

Hurricane Melissa has wreaked havoc across the Caribbean, claiming the lives of at least 50 individuals, with most fatalities occurring in Jamaica and Haiti. The storm made landfall as a powerful Category 5 hurricane on Tuesday, generating devastating winds and widespread destruction. In Jamaica alone, the Information Minister has confirmed at least 19 deaths, with expectations that the number may rise given ongoing recovery efforts, according to Indiatimes, Reuters, and Al Jazeera.

The storm's impact on Jamaica has been catastrophic, with reports indicating that over 60% of the island is without electricity and extensive infrastructural damage, particularly in the historic town of Black River where up to 90% of roofs have been torn off. Communication has been severely interrupted, and emergency food distribution is underway as thousands remain in shelters, according to Indiatimes and Reuters.

Haiti has also felt the brunt of Hurricane Melissa, suffering from heavy rain that caused rivers to overflow, leading to significant loss of life—with a reported 31 fatalities and a continuing search for missing individuals. The storm has highlighted ongoing humanitarian needs, with the risk of cholera outbreaks due to contaminated water, as emphasized by local officials and humanitarian organizations, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.

In terms of economic impact, forecasters estimate the damage across the western Caribbean to be between $48 billion and $52 billion, exacerbating the region's vulnerabilities to climate-induced disasters. Melissa's rapid intensification has raised concerns among scientists, who attribute this phenomenon to the broader impacts of climate change—pointing to warmer ocean temperatures as a factor. The storm's progression has prompted calls for increased climate financing and reparations from developed nations, according to Indiatimes, Reuters, and Al Jazeera.

As response efforts ramp up, Jamaica's government has allocated financial resources for disaster recovery, utilizing a special catastrophe bond issued through the World Bank, which was triggered by Hurricane Melissa. This bond will provide substantial aid as the nation navigates the extensive recovery process ahead, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters.