Hurricane Melissa caused significant damage and claimed numerous lives in Cuba, Jamaica, and Haiti on Wednesday. The powerful storm led to power outages, homes being destroyed, and residents being displaced in flooded areas. In Jamaica, Santa Cruz in St. Elizabeth parish experienced a landslide, blocking main roads and leaving streets covered in mud. Residents struggled to salvage their belongings amid the chaotic aftermath, with a high school serving as a shelter also suffering roof damage.
The impact of the Category 5 hurricane was devastating, with at least 25 fatalities reported in Haiti and 18 individuals missing. The destruction was particularly severe in a southern coastal town where flooding caused the collapse of numerous homes. Local authorities, including Mayor Jean Bertrand Subreme, issued urgent pleas for government assistance in rescuing victims.
In Cuba, officials noted collapsed houses, obstructed mountain roads, and roofs torn off buildings, especially in the southwest and northwest regions. Over 700,000 people sought refuge in shelters as the country grappled with the aftermath of the storm. Residents like Reinaldo Charon in Santiago de Cuba described the harrowing experience, emphasizing the need for support in the recovery process.
Melissa, which initially hit Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane, has now been downgraded to a Category 2 storm. As of Wednesday afternoon, the hurricane maintained sustained winds of 150 km/h and was moving northeast towards the central Bahamas. Authorities in the Bahamas initiated evacuations in anticipation of Melissa’s impact, with storm surges expected in the southeastern part of the archipelago.
Canadian authorities issued travel advisories, urging citizens to avoid several regions affected by the hurricane, including Jamaica, specific areas in Cuba, Haiti, the southeastern and central Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, and Bermuda. The government provided emergency contact information for Canadians requiring assistance.
The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica was dire, with multiple fatalities and widespread power outages affecting the majority of the island. Recovery efforts faced challenges due to communication breakdowns in severely impacted areas. Prime Minister Andrew Holness assured that relief supplies were being readied, and restoration initiatives were underway to bring back normalcy.
Meanwhile, in Cuba, the hurricane exacerbated the country’s existing economic crisis, leading to further hardships for its citizens. Residents in Santiago de Cuba began cleanup efforts amidst the destruction caused by Melissa, with essential services like hospitals suffering significant damage. International aid, including rescue and response teams from the United States, was mobilized to support the affected regions.