Hurricane Melissa, a storm of unprecedented strength, has left a trail of devastation across the Caribbean, impacting Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. The powerful hurricane, which has already claimed at least 34 lives, has caused widespread damage, destroying homes, uprooting trees, and leaving tens of thousands without power.
Although it has weakened from a Category 5 to a Category 2 storm, Melissa’s sustained winds reached 165km/h (102 mph) on Thursday, making it the strongest storm to hit the region in modern history, surpassing Hurricane Katrina’s peak wind speeds. As it moved through the Bahamas, it gathered speed and is expected to make landfall in Bermuda later.
In Jamaica, the storm’s impact has been most severe in the southwestern parish of St Elizabeth. Towns like Black River have been cut off by landslides and flooded roads, with reports of knee-deep mud and washed-out bridges. In Mandeville, a town described as flattened, a petrol station lost its roof and most of its pumps. Many residents are struggling with damaged homes and lack of essential services, with some unable to contact relatives due to widespread power and communication outages.
Haiti, already facing a humanitarian crisis, has also been hit hard, with at least 25 deaths attributed to flooding caused by days of relentless rain, despite not facing a direct hit from the hurricane. Cuba has also reported considerable damage, particularly in Santiago de Cuba.
Authorities in the Bahamas have lifted hurricane warnings for the central and southern islands, though residents are urged to remain vigilant. While some areas experienced flooding, major tourist destinations like Nassau and Freeport remain largely unaffected. Efforts are underway to provide aid and support to the affected populations as recovery and rebuilding processes begin.
Related
- 'I haven't heard from my mum since Hurricane Melissa'
- 'Jamaica will rise up together after hurricane'
- Charity sending rescue teams and aid to Caribbean
- Dozens dead in ‘total devastation’ left behind by Hurricane Melissa