Today, NewsForKids.net looks at Hurricane Melissa, which hammered islands in the Caribbean last week, and at the United States government shutdown, which is causing more and more pain as it drags on.
Hurricane Melissa Hammers Caribbean Islands
Hurricane Melissa slammed into islands across the Caribbean last week, killing over 50 people. The storm was the strongest Atlantic hurricane in over 150 years and left behind a path of destruction. Rescue efforts are now underway.
Last Tuesday, Melissa hit Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane, the most powerful rating. With winds of up to 185 mph (298 kph), the hurricane caused widespread damage and serious flooding. At least 28 people died.
(Source: EU [Contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data 2025], via Wikimedia Commons.)
Black River, a city on Jamaica’s southern coast, was hit especially hard. The city was swept by a 15-foot (4.5-meter) surge, which destroyed much of the city. “Everything is gone,” said one person from Black River.
On Wednesday, the hurricane – by then a Category 3 storm – struck Cuba with winds of 120 mph (195 kmh). Over 735,000 people were moved from their homes before the storm arrived. But Melissa still caused serious damage, bringing floods and landslides. Hundreds of thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed.
😕
This image has not been loaded because of your cookie choices. To view the content, you can accept 'Non-necessary' cookies.
Black River, a city on Jamaica’s southern coast, was hit especially hard. The city was swept by a 15-foot (4.5-meter) surge, which destroyed much of the city. “Everything is gone,” said one person from Black River. Above, a view of Black River, Jamaica on October 29.
The storm didn’t hit Haiti directly, but it caused serious damage through flooding and landslides. At least 30 people died. Other areas in the Caribbean were also affected.
The United Nations and several countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, China, and Venezuela have sent support and supplies to the struggling areas.
US Struggles as Government Shutdown Continues
The US government shutdown has been going on for over a month, which is close to a record. The shutdown began after Republicans and Democrats in Congress were unable to agree on a deal that would provide the money needed to keep the government running.
What Happens During a Government Shutdown?
Under a shutdown, the parts of the US government that aren’t completely necessary are shut down. This affects hundreds of thousands of workers. Some workers are told to stay home without pay until the shutdown is over. But people with jobs which are important for safety must continue to work, and count on being paid later. This includes soldiers, firefighters, law enforcement, government doctors, and people working to keep planes safe.
(Source: World Central Kitchen [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons.)
Democrats say they won’t support any plan to reopen the government unless it includes help for millions of people who could lose their health insurance next year. They also want to reverse some cuts to health care programs for poor people that Republicans included in their tax bill this summer.
President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress say they won’t discuss health care until the government is running again.
The shutdown has caused major problems for many government workers. For weeks, over 670,000 workers have been told to stay home. Even more are working without pay. Many government workers are having trouble paying their bills.
😕
This image has not been loaded because of your cookie choices. To view the content, you can accept 'Non-necessary' cookies.
SNAP is a government program that helps around 42 million poorer Americans pay for food every month. The USDA said it would send half the normal amount. That means many families have half as much money for food this month. Above, a SNAP sign in a grocery store.
Mr. Trump’s government used the shutdown as an excuse to tell over 4,000 government workers that they were fired. That action has been challenged in court.
Others are struggling, too. SNAP* is a government program that helps around 42 million poorer Americans pay for food every month. The USDA planned to pause SNAP payments in November. After judges demanded the government make payments from the program’s savings, the USDA said it would send half the normal amount. That means many families have half as much money for food this month.
As the shutdown continues, it is getting harder for the government to do its work, and the effects will become more and more serious.
* SNAP stands for “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program”.
Did You Know…?
The shutdown is causing growing problems at airports. Government workers at airports, including those who make sure airplanes can land and take off safely, are working without pay. Now many airport workers are calling in sick. Without enough workers, there are often long delays at airports.