February 16, 2026
The passage of Hurricane Melissa has caused heavy loss of life in Petit-Goâve, where at least ten people have died, according to a provisional report released on Wednesday, October 29. The Ladigue River overflowed its banks, flooding part of the town and sweeping away houses, vehicles, and vital infrastructure.
Three other deaths had already been recorded earlier in the week in other regions of the country, according to authorities. In Petit-Goâve, the situation remains critical: the bridge connecting the town to the rest of the country is still impassable, completely isolating the southern peninsula.
According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), Melissa, which had reached Category 5 earlier in the week, has weakened and been downgraded to Category 3. However, experts warn that torrential rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds will continue to affect several departments, worsening the risks of flooding and landslides.
Haiti’s Hydrometeorological Unit (UHM) is maintaining a red alert for the departments of the South, Nippes, Southeast, Grand’Anse, West, and Northwest. Authorities are urging the population to take refuge in secure shelters, avoid mountainous areas and overflowing rivers, and follow the official instructions of Civil Protection as the country remains under the persistent threat of Melissa.
