Hurricane Melissa has caused significant destruction in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba, with confirmed fatalities rising to at least 32. Initially classified as a Category 5 hurricane, it was downgraded to Category 1 as it approached the Bahamas. However, it still generated sustained winds reaching 298 km/h (185 mph) at its peak, surpassing those of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. As of Thursday morning, the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) recorded wind speeds of 165 km/h.
The storm’s path has raised concerns regarding coastal flooding; authorities in the Bahamas have since lifted hurricane warnings for certain islands, while advising residents to remain cautious due to the storm’s residual dangers. Nearly 1,500 people were evacuated from at-risk areas in a major emergency response operation. Reports indicate that while flooding affected segments of the islands, many popular tourist destinations remained mostly unscathed.
In Cuba, Santiago de Cuba faced extensive damage, necessitating local residents to clear streets of debris using machetes. The president acknowledged considerable destruction but did not provide specific casualty numbers. Meanwhile, Jamaica suffered particularly severe impacts in the southwestern parish of St Elizabeth, where washed-out bridges and knee-deep mud have left communities isolated. In Mandeville, significant infrastructure damage was reported, including the destruction of gas station roofs.
Communication networks across Jamaica have been disrupted, complicating recovery efforts and contact between families. Meanwhile, incidents of fatalities were also reported in Haiti, where flooding from the storm impacted areas already struggling with social unrest and humanitarian issues. Official reports indicate that the NHC anticipates hazardous conditions will persist across Haiti, Cuba, and parts of the Dominican Republic for several days despite floodwaters in the Bahamas expected to recede soon.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c77zd1m8jz3o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss