Death Toll from Hurricane Melissa in Haiti Rises to 43

The government of Haiti reported that the number of deaths from Hurricane Melissa has increased to 43, with another 13 people still missing. Rescue teams are attempting to reach people in the southwestern part of the country, where landslides and floods have devastated more than 30 communities. At least 25 fatalities occurred in the coastal town of Petit-Goâve, one of the hardest-hit areas.

The Category 5 storm, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, flooded nearly 12,000 homes and destroyed almost 200 after striking Haiti last week. Numerous roads remain impassable. The government warned of a shortage of drinking water in several communities and announced it would soon distribute seeds and tools to farmers facing significant losses. Over 1,700 people remain in shelters.

Jamaica Grapples with Widespread Damage and Isolated Communities

Meanwhile, in nearby Jamaica, rescue teams were trying to reach over two dozen communities that remain isolated since Melissa made landfall on October 28. The storm killed at least 32 people in Jamaica, with authorities warning that number is expected to rise.

Mike Bassett, head of the Christian disaster relief and development organization World Vision International, stated that a potential humanitarian crisis could occur if aid is not delivered quickly. “I have been doing this for more than 10 years, and I have never seen anything like it,” Bassett said on Tuesday while in Jamaica. He commented that, upon visiting hurricane-devastated communities like Chester Castle and Cambridge, he saw people bathing in a river and collecting its water to drink due to the lack of electricity and water supply in the hurricane's aftermath.

Aid Efforts Intensify Amid Coordination and Challenges

World Vision is among a growing list of international aid agencies and volunteers working independently and with Jamaican authorities to distribute aid. “Aid flights are coming in fast and furiously, and there is no shortage of supplies,” said Transport and Energy Minister Daryl Vaz, who is the co-chair of the special committee established to streamline the government's relief and recovery efforts.

Pearnel Charles Jr., who leads Jamaica's Ministry of Social Security, stated that the relief effort is intensifying. “We are coordinating with all available resources,” expressed Charles, who dismissed complaints that not enough was being done to deliver aid to storm survivors with the necessary speed.