Hurricane Melissa: A Devastating Force Hits Jamaica and Moves Towards Cuba

Hurricane Melissa has made a significant impact on Jamaica in recent hours, bringing with it heavy rains and winds that have reached speeds of up to 230 kilometers per hour. As the hurricane moves towards Cuba, particularly targeting the city of Santiago—Cuba's second-largest city after Havana—reports are emerging of extensive damage in Jamaica. However, the full scope of the devastation remains unclear as communications on the island are currently disrupted, with more information expected to surface as daylight breaks. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness spoke to CNN to address the situation, noting substantial damage to vital infrastructure including hospitals, private homes, commercial facilities, and the road network. In particular, the parish of St Elizabeth has experienced significant flooding, yet there are concerns about landslides and damage in the interior regions comprising narrow mountain valleys, where news has yet to emerge. Approximately 500,000 people—about one-sixth of Jamaica's population—reside in areas affected by the hurricane. Alarmingly, only 15,000 individuals sought refuge in shelters established by authorities, which is far fewer than the number recommended to evacuate. As Hurricane Melissa continues its path toward Cuba, meteorologists report that it has regained some strength, currently classified as a Category 4 on the Saffir-Simpson scale. Originally a Category 5 hurricane before making landfall near Jamaica's southwest coast at New Hope, Melissa slightly lost intensity but has remained one of the most violent storms in the Caribbean, noted to be the strongest recorded in Jamaican history. In light of the impending threat, around 900,000 residents in eastern provinces of Cuba have been urged to evacuate their homes and seek shelter. Additionally, the hurricane is anticipated to impact the western part of Haiti, which, like Cuba, finds itself in the throes of a severe economic crisis. This situation raises grave concerns regarding the capacity of both nations to respond to the fallout from the hurricane and to provide necessary aid to their populations, leading many to fear the potential for catastrophic consequences. As the situation evolves, further updates will be provided, particularly as daylight breaks over the affected regions, allowing for a clearer picture of the damage and the requisite response efforts. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2 • Source 3