Hurricane Melissa ~ 28 Oct 2025
The southern peninsula of Haiti was put on hurricane watch on Oct 22. The system began affecting Piton's weather the next day. He sent a picture of the skies to tell me they were receiving some wind and rain. It wasn't particularly concerning. But the system meandered around and picked up strength. A week later, it hit Jamaica and was large enough to affect our half of Haiti.
Looking at the online animations and simplified graphics, it was easy to think Haiti was out of danger. It takes images like the ones below to appreciate how enormous a weather system is and just how far out the winds reach. The winds that touched Haiti never went above tropical storm strength.
Below are pictures sent by Samuel of the aftermath. He is beginning to send damage assessments and, of course, cost of repairs. Thankfully, no one in the villages were hurt, despite some homes being severely damaged or fully destroyed.
Back in 2018 we constructed a little headquarters of sorts right behind the school on school property, by permission of the village. Samuel still calls it Kay ATI (ATI house). It's been a blessing to have that house because it is more sturdy than the homes of the villagers. Those that are in particular danger from high winds are taken to the ATI house for safe shelter.
Click below to see full size photos.
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