Overview:
Hurricane Melissa struck Haiti’s West department particularly hard, causing at least 20 deaths, including that of 10 children, in the commune of Petit-Goâve. The flooding of the area’s La Digue River also destroyed homes, submerged roads and forced families to flee.
PORT-AU-PRINCE — Hurricane Melissa struck the commune of Petit-Goâve in the West department particularly hard as it passed over Haiti, causing at least 20 deaths, including that of 10 children, when an area river suddenly flooded. In this preliminary toll, the strong current of the La Digue River also left 10 people missing, including five members of the same family.
Officials with the Directorate of Civil Protection said local residents recovered the bodies of the deceased Wednesday morning. Pending a comprehensive report, the 20 fatalities bring the total number of deaths linked to Hurricane Melissa’s severe weather since Oct. 23 to 23 people. Besides the 20 found in the in Petit-Goâve, two died in a landslide in Fontamara and one after a tree trunk fell in Marigot, in the South-East.
At least 16 people suffered injuries from the storm. Land transportation to the Grand Sud through Petit-Goâve remains suspended, as a result.
The force of the waters caught residents by surprise and made the search efforts particularly difficult, leading residents to believe that the death toll may rise, the authorities said. According to their reports, the floods caused by the hurricane destroyed homes, submerged roads, and cut off several neighborhoods, forcing many families to flee their waterlogged houses.
Around 3 a.m. Wednesday, the La Digue overflowed, plunging the commune into mourning. Images circulating on WhatsApp show lifeless victims, including children, and others being carried on stretchers.
In comparison to the neighboring islands, Haiti appears to have the highest death toll as of Wednesday. The country’s ongoing political crises and resulting lack of infrastructure, means Haitians are more likely to perish or suffer injury during the hurricane season’s many storms.
Red alert extended to more departments
The hurricane posed a major risk to the Caribbean since it emerged last week, particularly to Haiti, Jamaica and Cuba. It made landfall in Jamaica Tuesday afternoon and was also landing in Cuba Wednesday. But as it passed over Haiti and gained in intensity, the Haitian government decided on Tuesday to place the departments of Nippes, Southwest and West under red alert, signaling imminent danger and the need to protect life and property. The Presidential Transitional Council also declared Wednesday, October 29, a “day off,” a measure that suspended all activity across the country.
Residents of Port-au-Prince cross a flooded Carrefour Rita after Hurricane Melissa’s passage over Haiti on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Photo by Dieugo Andre for The Haitian Times
Communes in the southern departments are also submerged due to heavy rainfall as of Wednesday. In Les Cayes, traffic has become difficult, the wind is blowing violently and large waves are hitting the coast, cutting off roads and causing agricultural losses, according to Museau Jean Gardy, communications officer at the South Department Civil Protection Directorate.
In Jacmel, the streets are flooded. In Port-au-Prince, certain areas, particularly Clercine in the Tabarre commune, are also affected by rising waters.
The weather remains rainy, but authorities have not reported major damage in the capital so far. Residents, however, remain vigilant due to rising waters and ongoing weather-related risks.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Protection, Hurricane Melissa continues to impact the weather, bringing heavy rains, strong gusts of wind, and a high risk of flooding, landslides, and landslips.
Hurricane Melissa has displaced at least 900 families in Haiti, with over 3,650 people sheltering in public facilities across the Grand Sud. The Civil Protection Directorate (DGPC) reports that around 40 of 350 shelters are currently in use, as authorities assist evacuations from flood-prone areas to limit casualties.
In response to this situation, the DGPC emphasizes the urgent need for the population to evacuate high-risk areas, avoid crossing flooded waterways, and stay away from windows. Additionally, do not let children sleep on the floor to prevent them from being caught by rising waters, and keep your belongings and important documents in a safe place.
Aid mobilized to help children
With the threat to children, World Vision Haiti announced on Oct. 27 the disbursement of $300,000 to protect vulnerable children and families in the affected departments..
“Children and families in Haiti are facing compounding crises,” said Lesly Michaud, Country Program Director. “We are committed to standing with communities through this storm and beyond, ensuring they receive the support they need to recover and rebuild.”
Another financial support measure from the international community includes the announcement of $4 million from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (UNCERF) to assist more than 100,000 Haitians at risk from Tropical Storm Melissa.
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