January 29, 2026
Hurricane Melissa reached Category 5 status on Monday, October 27, 2025, with devastating winds of 260 km/h (160 mph) and a central pressure of 917 mb, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). “Flash floods and landslides are expected in southwestern Haiti,” the U.S. agency warned.
The situation is becoming critical in the Greater South, where more than 3,600 people have already taken shelter in temporary accommodations. Local authorities expect “significant damage to infrastructure and the isolation of several communities,” particularly in the most exposed coastal areas.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Protection (DGPC), Melissa is moving slowly near latitude 16.4° North and longitude 77.8° West—about 625 km (388 miles) south of Port-au-Prince. The red alert remains in effect for the South and Grand’Anse departments, where the first gusts are already being felt.
Weather conditions are expected to deteriorate further between Tuesday evening and Wednesday, according to the latest forecasts. “Tropical storm conditions are expected, accompanied by heavy rainfall likely to cause deadly flooding,” the NHC added.
Meanwhile, the country faces another threat: insecurity. In some areas, gangs are obstructing emergency preparations, complicating evacuations as the Artibonite River is already overflowing, disrupting cross-border trade with the Dominican Republic.
