Hurricane Melissa, regarded as one of the most powerful hurricanes to hit the Caribbean, wreaked havoc across multiple nations this week. The storm, which had intensified to a Category 5 with winds reaching up to 295 km/h, prompted devastating flooding, power outages, and destruction across affected areas.
Impact on Jamaica
On Tuesday, Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica, leading to widespread destruction. Over 25,000 individuals sought refuge in shelters as the storm caused significant structural damage. Officials reported that approximately 77% of the island experienced power disruptions.
- About 25,000 residents in shelters.
- 77% of the island without power.
- Multiple reports of property damage and roof losses.
- Immediate efforts to distribute emergency supplies began.
Deputy Chair of Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Council, Desmond McKenzie, acknowledged the extensive recovery efforts ahead. Preliminary counts indicated seven fatalities associated with the storm, including three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic.
Consequences in Haiti
Hurricane Melissa transferred its strength to Haiti, where severe flooding erupted after the La Digue River overflowed. This resulted in the tragic loss of 25 lives in Petit-Goâve, as officials struggled with rescue operations amid heavy flooding.
- 25 fatalities due to flooding.
- Many homes collapsed, leaving residents trapped.
- Limited governmental support reported in the area.
Destruction in Cuba
In Cuba, the storm’s impact was felt severely. As Melissa crossed into the country as a Category 3 hurricane, reports detailed significant destruction in the southwest and northwest regions.
- 735,000 residents currently displaced in shelters.
- Extensive damage to homes and infrastructure.
Governor Yanetsy Terry Gutiérrez noted that Granma province experienced over 40 centimeters of rainfall, causing widespread flooding in areas like Jiguaní. President Miguel Díaz-Canel addressed the nation, assuring citizens that every possible resource would be allocated for recovery efforts.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Hurricane Melissa is expected to weaken but remain impactful as it progresses towards the Bahamas and eventually Bermuda. Authorities throughout the impacted regions are bracing for additional weather-related challenges, particularly in Haiti and the Turks and Caicos islands.
As the recovery efforts begin, the dire circumstances in each affected area highlight the critical need for international assistance and resources in the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation.
