Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba; Dozens Dead, Thousands Displaced

Santiago de Cuba: Hurricane Melissa has unleashed catastrophic destruction across Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba, leaving dozens dead and thousands homeless as one of the strongest Atlantic storms on record.

The Category 5 hurricane, with winds of up to 185 mph (295 kph), made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday before weakening slightly and moving toward Cuba. Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency reported at least 40 deaths, mostly in the southern coastal town of Petit-Goâve, where flooding collapsed numerous homes and several people remain missing.

In Cuba, houses collapsed, roads were blocked by debris, and roofs were ripped off in the southwest and northwest regions. Around 735,000 people are currently in shelters. President Miguel Díaz- Canel said recovery would begin as soon as weather conditions allowed, acknowledging the storm’s severe impact on Cuba’s already struggling economy.

In Jamaica, where 77 percent of the island lost power, more than 25,000 people were forced into shelters. Landslides in St. Elizabeth parish left roads impassable, and Black River’s mayor, Richard Solomon, described the situation as “catastrophic,” with hospitals and emergency services flooded. Several deaths have been confirmed, including a baby killed when a tree fell on a house.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness said relief efforts were fully mobilised, adding that airports may reopen soon to ensure the swift delivery of emergency supplies. “Recovery will take time, but the government is doing everything possible to restore normalcy,” he said.

In Santiago de Cuba, residents began clearing debris on Wednesday as torrential rains continued. Cuba’s National Institute of Hydraulic Resources reported rainfall of up to 15 inches (38 cm) in some areas. The US has announced rescue and response assistance for the affected Caribbean nations. Melissa, now weakened to a Category 2 hurricane, is moving northeast toward the Bahamas and is expected to pass near Bermuda by Thursday.