One man has died and five others were injured in Haiti, where Tropical Storm Melissa is currently impacting the region. Reports say the incidents were caused by severe flooding and dangerous weather conditions linked to the storm as it moves through the Caribbean.
Authorities confirmed that the deceased was an elderly resident of Marigot, a coastal town in southern Haiti. He reportedly lost his life after a large tree collapsed on him during heavy rainfall. Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency further noted that five people were injured in the central Artibonite area, where rising floodwaters have damaged property and disrupted communities. The injuries, according to reports, were sustained during the flooding.
As the storm continues to hover in the Caribbean Sea, its slow movement has become a cause for concern. Meteorologists monitoring Tropical Storm Melissa say it is driving persistent rain bands over sections of Haiti and Jamaica, creating a higher likelihood of landslides and further flooding. With the storm’s centre located near latitude 15.4 North and longitude 74.9 West as of Thursday, its gradual north-northwest motion means affected islands could continue to experience hazardous weather over the coming days.
Authorities in multiple territories are closely tracking the storm’s direction. Forecasts indicate that Melissa may shift northward before turning west over the weekend, moving it closer to Jamaica and southwestern Haiti. As it approaches warmer waters, the storm is expected to strengthen, potentially transforming into a hurricane and possibly a major one soon after.
Maximum sustained winds have already reached near 45 miles per hour, with stronger gusts reported in some locations. The increasing wind speeds, combined with saturation of the soil, pose additional risks to vulnerable communities, particularly those built near hillsides or riverbanks.
Emergency teams are monitoring the situation as rainfall continues. While official advisories have urged caution, the slow pace of the storm means its impacts could become prolonged. Communities across Haiti and Jamaica are now bracing for additional rainfall.