HaitiNeeds.org
Hurricane Melissa: A New Wave of Devastation in Haiti
On October 28, 2025, Hurricane Melissa—one of the most powerful Atlantic storms on record—struck the Caribbean with catastrophic force. With wind speeds of 185 mph, this Category 5 hurricane left widespread destruction across Haiti, where 43 people have died, 13 are missing, and entire communities are struggling to survive.
What Happened
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica before unleashing torrential rainfall and devastating flooding across Haiti's southern coast. In the town of Petit-Goâve alone, 25 people—including 10 children—lost their lives when a flooded river burst its banks. Across the country, the storm destroyed or severely damaged nearly 12,000 homes, washed away critical roads and infrastructure, and decimated crops that families depend on for survival.
- 43 deaths confirmed in Haiti, with 13 still missing
- Nearly 12,000 homes flooded
- Hundreds of homes destroyed or severely damaged
- More than 11,600 people sheltering in emergency centers
- Critical food supplies and gardens destroyed
Impact on Rural Communities
The families we serve in Seguin and surrounding rural areas face the devastating aftermath of this storm. Roads that were already difficult to navigate have been washed away completely. Communication lines are down. Families who were already struggling with food insecurity have watched their gardens—their lifeline—disappear under the floodwaters.
For the 200+ children we support through our Back to School program, the crisis is immediate and urgent. Schools have been damaged. Homes have been destroyed. The path to education has become even harder.
"We lost everything. The wind took the roof off our house, and the rain flooded everything inside. There is no place to rest; we are hungry. The authorities don't think about us."
— Michelet Dégange, Petit-Goâve resident who lost his home
Steven Guadard from Petit-Goâve told reporters that Hurricane Melissa killed his entire family—four children, ranging in age from one month to eight years old. This is the human reality we're facing.
HNO's Response: Partnership in Action
Haiti Needs Organization is mobilizing our resources to respond to this crisis. Our team on the ground is working to reach families in the hardest-hit areas with emergency support:
Immediate Relief: Food, clean water, and emergency supplies for families who have lost everything
Medical Support: Coordinating with local partners to provide urgent healthcare to those injured or displaced
Long-term Recovery: Helping families rebuild, replace lost school supplies, and restore gardens so children can return to school and families can regain their food security
But we cannot do this alone. We need partners who will stand with Haiti—not as rescuers, but as co-creators in the rebuilding effort.
The Road Ahead
This hurricane struck a nation already facing immense challenges. For the children and families we serve, Hurricane Melissa has compounded existing struggles with hunger, education access, and economic hardship. Recovery will take months, if not years.
But there is hope. Hope in the resilience of the Haitian people who are already clearing debris and supporting their neighbors. Hope in the local leadership that knows these communities intimately. Hope in partners around the world who refuse to look away.
Join Us in Rebuilding Lives
Haiti doesn't need charity—Haiti needs partnership. We need people who will walk alongside these families as they rebuild, who will invest in long-term solutions, and who will trust Haitian leadership to guide the recovery.
Your partnership makes a direct impact:
- Emergency food packages for families in crisis
- Replacement school supplies for children who lost everything
- Support for families rebuilding their homes and gardens
- Transportation to reach isolated communities with aid
Every contribution helps a family take one step forward.
Haiti Needs Organization is a community-centered nonprofit fighting hunger, supporting education, and caring for children through direct partnership with Haitian families and local leadership.