Hurricane Melissa Terjang Caribbean, 30 People Died, Dozens Of Houses Destroyed

JAKARTA - At least 30 people died, including 25 in Haiti, as a result of Hurricane Melissa that hit a number of countries in the Caribbean region, according to a CNN report, Wednesday, October 29.

The strong storm caused the La Digue River in southern Haiti to overflow, triggering heavy flooding that killed dozens of residents and damaged the surrounding settlements.

Petit-Goave Mayor Jean Bertrand Subreme said the flood destroyed dozens of houses and left many residents still trapped under the rubble.

"We need immediate assistance for rescue operations. Many residents have not been evacuated," he said.

Meanwhile, Jamaica, which was also hit by Hurricane Melissa, has evacuated about 25,000 people to shelters.

However, local officials have not been able to confirm any casualties due to the storm.

Three people have indeed been reported to have died while preparing for the storm, but so far we have not received an official report of casualties after the storm hit, "said Jamaican Minister of Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie, at a press conference.

According to reports, the epicenter crossed the western part of Jamaica rural area, while the capital Kingston was relatively safe from the worst effects.