Up First from NPR Hurricane Melissa Aftermath, Israel Strikes Gaza Again, Air-Traffic Controllers
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Oct 29, 2025 
Eder Peralta, an NPR reporter based in Mexico City, shares insights on the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica and Cuba, highlighting flooding and evacuation challenges. Daniel Estrin, reporting from Tel Aviv, discusses the volatile Gaza ceasefire, including recent deadly strikes and the complex U.S. involvement. Joel Rose, NPR's transportation correspondent, addresses the strain on air-traffic controllers working without pay during the government shutdown, raising concerns about safety and delays in aviation.
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Melissa Devastates Jamaica, Threatens Cuba
- Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica hard, leaving over half a million without power and western parishes flooded.
- Cuba now faces major risk as the storm strengthened and made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane.
Black River Flooding Visuals
- Local videos showed Black River with roads under water and submerged cars, and a flooded police station with blown-out windows.
- Officials say phone lines and internet are down, delaying a full damage assessment.
Cuba's Grid Vulnerability Raises Concerns
- Melissa weakened over Jamaica but re-strengthened before hitting eastern Cuba, which is economically vulnerable.
- Cuba's fragile grid could suffer major outages, prompting large-scale evacuations.