Hurricane Melissa has made a significant impact across the Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica and Cuba. After reaching Category 5 strength, it lashed Jamaica on Tuesday, causing extensive damage. The storm has since intensified as it moved towards Cuba, prompting evacuations and raising concerns about possible flooding and landslides.
Hurricane Melissa’s Path and Impact on Cuba
As of Wednesday morning, Hurricane Melissa was classified as a Category 2 storm, with sustained winds of 165 kilometers per hour. The Hurricane Center reported that Melissa was located about 70 kilometers northwest of Guantánamo, Cuba. The storm was rapidly moving north-northeast at a speed of 22 kilometers per hour.
Evacuations and Warnings
In anticipation of the hurricane’s arrival, Cuban authorities evacuated hundreds of thousands of residents. A hurricane warning was declared for several provinces, including:
- Granma
- Santiago de Cuba
- Guantanamo
- Holguin
- Las Tunas
Warnings also extended to the southeastern and central Bahamas, with forecasts indicating that the storm would weaken as it passed through Cuba but remain potent when approaching the Bahamas.
Damage Reports and Local Response
Residents in Santiago de Cuba described harrowing conditions. Reinaldo Charon, a local resident, recounted the frightening experience, saying, “All night long, it was terrible.” Initial reports noted uprooted trees and damaged roofs, though the full extent of the destruction was still being assessed.
Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel addressed the nation, stating his commitment to not leaving anyone behind: “There will be a lot of damage.” He emphasized that all resources would be deployed to protect lives.
Jamaica Before and After Hurricane Melissa
Before reaching Cuba, Melissa devastated Jamaica, making landfall with winds of 295 kilometers per hour. This powerful storm left more than half a million customers without power, especially in Clarendon and St. Elizabeth, where significant flooding was reported.
Casualties and Infrastructure Challenges
The hurricane also affected critical infrastructure, damaging four hospitals and leaving one without power. This resulted in the evacuation of 75 patients to ensure their safety. Tragically, the storm has been associated with seven deaths across the Caribbean, with 3 fatalities in Jamaica, 3 in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic.
Upcoming Threats and Concerns
As Hurricane Melissa approaches the Bahamas, it poses additional risks, particularly from storm surges expected to reach up to 3.6 meters and rainfall of up to 51 centimeters in Cuba. These conditions are likely to exacerbate flooding and increase the risk of landslides.
Local authorities in affected areas are urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared as the storm continues its unpredictable track across the Caribbean. All eyes are on the anticipated impact as this storm proves to be one of the strongest hurricanes recorded in Atlantic history.
