Hurricane Melissa Leaves Trail of Destruction Across the Caribbean
Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest storms on record, has torn through the Caribbean, causing catastrophic damage. With winds reaching up to 185 mph, the storm has left a trail of destruction in its wake, affecting Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, prompting widespread relief efforts.
Jamaica
In Jamaica, the devastation is clear. Prime Minister Andrew Holness described the damage as “total devastation” with up to 90% of roofs destroyed and essential infrastructure, including hospitals and police stations, wiped out. At least five people have been confirmed dead in Jamaica, with authorities fearing the toll will rise as search and rescue operations continue. Richard Vernon, the mayor of Montego Bay, explained that parts of the city have been entirely cut off by flooding, and efforts are focused on ensuring everyone is safe. Many in the west of the island are stranded, with authorities emphasizing the urgent need for aid and heavy equipment to reach cut-off areas.
Jamaica’s power grid has also been heavily impacted, with around 77% of the island without electricity, while communication networks have largely been down. “The immediate priorities are search and rescue and ensuring people have access to healthcare, safe shelter, clean water, food and other essential supplies,” said Alexander Pendry from the British Red Cross.
Haiti
Across the sea in Haiti, the impact of Melissa has been equally dire. At least 20 people have died, with many homes washed away in flash floods, particularly in the southern town of Petit-Goave where the river burst its banks and caused severe damage to homes in the area. The storm’s put thousands of people into emergency shelters, and local authorities are struggling to respond amid overwhelming damage.
Cuba
In Cuba, the situation was somewhat more controlled, with over 735,000 people evacuated as the storm lashed the southeast of the island. While no fatalities have been reported from Cuba, the damage has been significant, especially in rural and isolated areas. Residents have begun returning home, but recovery is expected to take weeks or months. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel assured residents that the worst was over, but stressed the importance of remaining vigilant.
What’s next for Hurricane Melissa?
While Hurricane Melissa has weakened to a Category 1 storm, it continues to move northward, heading toward the Bahamas and Bermuda. A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Turks and Caicos Islands, while a hurricane watch has been issued for Bermuda. The U.S. and the U.K. have pledged support, with both countries sending disaster response teams to assist in the recovery.
King Charles, Jamaica’s head of state, expressed his deep concern over the situation in Jamaica, saying that the storm “reminds us of the increasingly urgent need to restore the balance and harmony of Nature” in his message to the Caribbean nations. With the storm continuing its path, the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but the region faces a long and challenging recovery.
