‘I Feel Very Sad’ – Families Worry as Powerful Hurricane Moves Through the Caribbean

November 3, 2025

Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm with 185 mph winds on Tuesday, making it the most powerful hurricane to ever impact the island and causing extensive flooding and destruction across the region. The storm subsequently moved to eastern Cuba with reduced wind speeds and was projected to affect the Bahamas, while indirect effects caused fatal flooding in Haiti that killed at least 25 people. Howard University's Chapel organized a prayer vigil Tuesday evening to support affected community members, particularly students with family connections to the impacted Caribbean nations.

Who is affected

Residents of Jamaica, particularly in Spanish Town and Kingston
Residents of eastern Cuba
Residents of Petit-Goave, Haiti (at least 25 deaths from flooding)
Residents of the Bahamas
Howard University students with family in the affected regions, including Shaneal Mitchell, Zion Kelly, and Krissan Spaulding
Students and community members attending the vigil

What action is being taken

The Office of the Dean of the Chapel at Howard University is holding a prayer vigil
Students are attending the vigil to support those affected
The Rev. Bernard Richardson is hosting the prayer vigil

Why it matters

This is the strongest hurricane to ever hit Jamaica, surpassing the devastating Hurricane Gilbert from 1988 that left hundreds homeless. The widespread destruction affects entire communities and countries, not just individual families, impacting a region known for its close-knit culture and mutual support. The disaster demonstrates the importance of both immediate spiritual support and long-term compassionate aid for affected populations.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle