As the Caribbean braces for the onslaught of tropical storm Melisa, travelers and locals alike are facing a double threat: ferocious weather and a growing wave of counterfeit alcohol poisoning. On October 26, 2025, Melisa rapidly intensified into a Category 1 hurricane, with wind speeds reaching up to 150 km/h, according to the meteorological service of the island. The storm, which began as a tropical disturbance just days ago, is now barreling towards Cuba’s eastern provinces, threatening to disrupt lives and upend the region’s bustling tourism industry.
Authorities have identified Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, Granma, and Las Tunas as the areas most likely to bear the brunt of Melisa’s fury. Meteorologists predict the most intense winds and rainfall will strike the eastern coastline between Tuesday and Wednesday, based on the latest satellite data and weather models. The warnings have not fallen on deaf ears: local officials have already begun preparations, securing buildings, closing beaches, and in some cases, evacuating vulnerable communities. "The storm is moving along the northern coast of Cuba and poses a serious meteorological threat," noted the meteorological service’s summary report, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
While the eastern provinces brace for impact, Russian tourists—who flock to Cuba’s sun-drenched resorts—have been reassured by the Russian Embassy. The popular destinations of Varadero, Cayo Coco, and other central resort areas remain outside the projected path of Melisa. These tourist hotspots, nestled in the island’s west and center, are considered safe for now. According to the embassy, "popular resorts traditionally frequented by Russians are located outside the danger zone." This geographical luck is more than a coincidence—Cuba’s western and central resorts rarely suffer the full force of hurricanes thanks to their protective location, a fact that’s not lost on travel agencies and cautious vacationers.
Still, the threat is very real for those in the east. The devastation already witnessed on neighboring islands, including Haiti and Jamaica, serves as a stark warning. There, Melisa has left a trail of destruction: homes flattened, streets inundated, and—most tragically—lives lost. The Caribbean hurricane season, which stretches until late November, is notorious for such calamities. Local authorities in Cuba are urging all residents and visitors to heed official weather updates and comply with safety instructions. For those planning autumn trips to the island, the advice is clear: factor in the seasonal risk and stay informed.
Yet, as if the storm’s threat weren’t enough, another danger is lurking in the shadows of popular tourist destinations: methanol-laced counterfeit alcohol. On the same day as the storm warnings, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom released an updated list of countries grappling with this deadly issue. Cuba, alongside Japan, Mexico, Kenya, and Peru, now finds itself on the FCDO’s radar for both meteorological and toxicological reasons.
Reports of methanol poisoning have been steadily rising, with criminals exploiting the tourist influx to peddle cheap, counterfeit spirits. The consequences can be dire: as little as 30 ml of methanol—a mere mouthful—can be fatal, while just 10 ml may cause blindness. The Ministry of Tourism’s October 26 report underscores the urgency, warning, "Cases of poisoning with counterfeit alcohol containing deadly methanol are becoming increasingly alarming." Methanol, a colorless and nearly odorless industrial alcohol, is sometimes passed off as drinkable liquor. Its effects can be insidious, mimicking regular intoxication before rapidly progressing to vomiting, confusion, loss of balance, and, in severe cases, coma and death.
Recent tragedies highlight the scale of the problem. In São Paulo, Brazil, three people died and 225 others were poisoned this month after drinking illegally contaminated alcohol. A similarly grim incident occurred in Vang Vieng, Laos, in November 2024, where six people lost their lives and one person was left blind after consuming methanol-tainted vodka in a local bar. According to experts cited by Tourprom, "Counterfeit alcohol is a serious threat to the health of tourists. Unfortunately, cases of poisoning by ‘fake’ spirits containing deadly methanol are becoming more frequent."
The FCDO’s campaign, "Know the Signs of Methanol Poisoning," urges travelers to seek medical help immediately if they suspect they’ve consumed contaminated drinks. Early symptoms can mimic regular drunkenness—vomiting, impaired perception, loss of balance, and drowsiness—but more severe signs, like blurred vision, abdominal pain, and even seizures, may develop within 12 to 48 hours. Bethany Clark, a friend of a victim in Laos, stressed, "Many tourists still don’t realize the dangers of drinking alcohol in unlicensed bars abroad." She called for greater government action and increased awareness among travelers.
So, how can tourists protect themselves? Experts recommend several practical steps. Always inspect bottles for damage, crooked labels, or missing excise stamps. Check the clarity of the liquid, the tightness of the cap, and avoid drinks with unusual odors or suspiciously low prices. Importantly, steer clear of homemade spirits and stick to reputable, licensed venues. Tourprom’s advice is blunt: "If you notice any symptoms after drinking, seek medical help immediately! Time is of the essence, as methanol quickly causes serious damage to internal organs, especially the brain and optic nerve."
Some countries are taking proactive measures. Australia, for example, has launched campaigns like Sip Safe and Partying Safely, distributing warnings at airports and directly to travelers’ smartphones. In Turkey, authorities have closed hotels in Mugla after discovering counterfeit alcohol, aiming to protect both locals and visitors. But elsewhere, the fight remains uphill, with criminal networks adapting quickly and enforcement lagging behind.
For those venturing to Cuba or other storm-prone destinations, the message is clear: double down on caution. Monitor official weather updates, follow local authorities’ advice, and make smart choices about where and what you drink. The Ministry of Tourism’s summary report, published on October 26, 2025, concludes, "Travelers are advised to consider official warnings and meteorological data when planning trips." In a season marked by both natural and man-made dangers, a little vigilance can make all the difference.
As Melisa’s winds gather strength and counterfeit spirits continue to circulate, tourists and locals must rely on information, preparation, and common sense to stay safe. The Caribbean’s beauty is undeniable, but—at least for now—its risks are just as real.
