Hurricane Melissa Causes Devastation in Cuba and Jamaica, Sparking Economic Concerns

Hurricane Melissa has made a significant impact on the Caribbean, particularly hitting Cuba as a Category 3 storm with winds reaching 193 kph. According to President Miguel Díaz-Canel, over half a million residents were evacuated ahead of the storm's landfall near Chivirico in the Santiago de Cuba province. Forecasters predicted that the hurricane would unleash considerable damage in the region, worrying residents and officials alike. The storm, one of the strongest recorded in the Atlantic, prompted authorities to evacuate more than 700,000 people as it threatened to exacerbate the already severe economic crisis that Cuba is grappling with. The economic strain has led to ongoing power and food shortages in the country. With damage reports expected from the storm, there are concerns that the situation could become even more dire. Hurricane Melissa was anticipated to create dangerous storm surges, potentially reaching heights of up to 36 meters, and dump as much as 51 centimeters of rain in parts of eastern Cuba, further heightening the risk of life-threatening flooding and landslides. In a televised address, President Díaz-Canel assured viewers that no resources would be spared in protecting citizens and that all necessary measures were being taken to mitigate the storm's impact. He emphasized the strength of Hurricane Melissa and urged the population not to underestimate its power. Schools across provinces from Guantánamo to Camagüey were closed as a precautionary measure on the eve of the storm. The government’s response demonstrated the urgency of the situation, illustrating the widespread panic and preparation evident in the affected areas. Meanwhile, Jamaica has also been pulling itself together to assess the destruction left by Melissa, which had battered the island prior to reaching Cuba. Reports indicated significant damage in parishes such as Clarendon and St Elizabeth, with extensive flooding affecting infrastructure. Four hospitals were reported to have sustained damage; one hospital even lost power, necessitating the evacuation of 75 patients. As of late Tuesday, more than half a million customers were without electricity throughout Jamaica, with downed trees and power lines adding to the issues faced by residents. Deputy Chairman of Jamaica's Disaster Risk Management Council, Desmond McKenzie, noted the immediate need for a thorough assessment of the damage as officials prepared for potential airport reopenings to facilitate the distribution of emergency supplies. So far, the death toll from the storm across the Caribbean has reached seven, with fatalities reported in Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. As the affected regions brace for the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the focus remains on recovery and managing the expected fallout from such a catastrophic event. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2 • Source 3