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Hurricane Melissa’s death toll in Jamaica has climbed to 28, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said, warning the number could rise as further fatalities are verified. The Category 5 storm knocked out power and communications, leaving 72% of Jamaicans without electricity and about 6,000 people in shelters. Western communities including Black River and Montego Bay suffered the worst damage, with debris, flooding and impassable roads slowing aid after airport closures. Authorities are setting up field hospitals. Melissa, with peak winds of 185 mph, is the strongest storm on record to hit Jamaica; Haiti reports at least 31 deaths.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.