Hurricane Melissa's devastating Caribbean rampage killed at least 32 people across Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba before weakening from Category 5 to Category 1. The strongest storm in Caribbean modern history sustained peak winds of 298 km/h exceeding Hurricane Katrina's force. Jamaica's St Elizabeth parish suffered worst, submerged in knee-deep mud with severed communications and washed-out bridges isolating Black River. Cuba's Santiago de Cuba faced considerable damage as residents machete-cleared debris-buried streets. Haiti reported 23 deaths, including 10 children, from flooding despite avoiding direct impact. Nearly 1,500 Bahamians evacuated as Melissa accelerated toward Bermuda Thursday. Power lines and mobile networks collapsed across southwestern Jamaica, leaving families days without contact. Amid devastation, a baby was safely delivered under emergency conditions.

Hurricane Melissa's death toll reached at least 32 across the Caribbean, with devastating impacts in Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas. Haiti reported 28 deaths, including 25 in Petit-Goâve after swollen rivers burst banks. Jamaica confirmed four deaths in St. Elizabeth Parish, with three additional fatalities during storm preparations. The Dominican Republic reported one death. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness described damage as "unprecedented," noting 80-90% of roofs between Treasure Beach and Black River were destroyed. Essential infrastructure including hospitals, courthouses, and historic buildings were wiped out. Cuba faced "significant damage" as Category 3 landfall cut off 140,000 people. The storm weakened to Category 1 but continues producing dangerous flooding and winds across the Bahamas.

Hurricane Melissa has become the strongest storm to hit the Caribbean in 90 years, killing 29 people across Haiti, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. The Category 5 storm made landfall in Cuba after devastating Jamaica, where it was declared a disaster zone. Cuba evacuated over 700,000 people as the storm moved northeast, causing severe damage and flooding. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness promised quick recovery efforts, saying the nation “will rebuild stronger.” The Bahamas has issued evacuation orders as Melissa continues its path toward Bermuda, remaining a powerful hurricane despite weakening slightly over land. (PC: HT)

At least 25 people have died in Haiti after a river overflowed due to heavy rains from Hurricane Melissa. The La Digue river flooded homes and destroyed parts of the southern town of Petit-Goave. Mayor Jean Bertrand Subreme said many people are still trapped and rescue work is ongoing. The hurricane earlier hit Jamaica and Cuba, forcing more than 735,000 people to evacuate. Cuba and Jamaica suffered major damage, power cuts, and severe flooding. Experts say rising ocean temperatures linked to climate change are making storms like Melissa stronger and more destructive across the Caribbean region.

The much-anticipated cloud-seeding trial planned for October 29 in Delhi was postponed after IIT Kanpur scientists reported insufficient atmospheric moisture for effective artificial rain. Humidity levels hovered around 15%, well below the minimum requirement for condensation and rainfall. The ₹3.2-crore pilot project aimed to tackle Delhi’s severe air pollution through induced precipitation. Officials confirmed that the experiment will be rescheduled once favorable meteorological conditions emerge. The initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Delhi government and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, is part of broader efforts to combat the capital’s worsening air quality. (PC: PTI)

Jamaica woke up to widespread destruction after Hurricane Melissa, the strongest storm in its history, hit the island with winds of 298 km/h. About 75% of the country is without power, and several towns are flooded. Montego Bay was split in two by rising waters, while western areas like St Elizabeth were left under water. Homes, hospitals, and farms have been badly damaged. Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared a national disaster and warned of “devastating impacts.” Communication lines are down, and rescue teams are struggling to reach trapped families as fears of casualties grow.

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 3 storm, struck eastern Cuba near Chivirico early Wednesday, bringing fierce winds and heavy rain. The storm caused major damage across the Caribbean, killing seven people — three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic. More than half a million Cubans lost power as homes, hospitals, and roads were hit by flooding and fallen trees. Authorities warned of deadly landslides and storm surges up to 12 feet. The disaster deepened Cuba’s ongoing economic crisis, marked by shortages of fuel, food, and electricity. Emergency aid efforts are now underway. (PC: The Indian Express)

Cyclone Montha weakened into a deep depression on Wednesday after making landfall in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday evening. Heavy rains and strong winds hit several districts, killing two people and damaging large areas of farmland. A woman died in Konaseema district after a tree fell on her. The Andhra Pradesh government said crops in 38,000 hectares were destroyed and horticulture crops in 1.38 lakh hectares were damaged. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to restore normal life quickly and visit affected areas. The IMD issued orange alerts for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. (PC: HT)

Hurricane Melissa has regained strength as a Category 4 storm while moving towards Cuba after hitting Jamaica. Over 735,000 people have been evacuated in Cuba as heavy rain and winds up to 130mph are expected. Jamaica, now declared a disaster area, was left with massive flooding, damaged homes, and over 530,000 people without power. Cuba’s president warned of a “very difficult night” as the storm nears the coast. The US National Hurricane Center said life-threatening floods, landslides, and storm surges up to 12 feet are possible in eastern Cuba. (PC: Reuters)

Cyclone Montha weakened into a cyclonic storm after hitting the Andhra Pradesh coast early Wednesday. Heavy rain and strong winds damaged homes and trees in several districts. One woman died in Konaseema district after a tree fell on her. The state government imposed a night curfew and cancelled over 30 flights and 120 trains. Power cuts were reported in many areas. The storm’s effects are expected in Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Odisha is on alert, with thousands moved to relief centres as heavy rain warnings continue in several districts.