Hurricane Melissa Wreaks Havoc on Caribbean Nations
In a devastating turn of events, Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful hurricane ever recorded in the Caribbean, has left a trail of destruction across Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba, resulting in a rising death toll and widespread displacement. The hurricane, initially classified as a Category 5 storm, was downgraded to a Category 1 but is now regaining strength as it heads towards Bermuda.
The Catastrophe Unfolds
Melissa, which initially strengthened into a major Category 4 hurricane, escalated to a Category 5 storm on Sunday night, threatening catastrophic flooding in the northern Caribbean, including Haiti and Jamaica, according to the US National Hurricane Center. The hurricane made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday, marking the strongest cyclone to hit the island since record-keeping began in 1851. The storm then moved towards Cuba, where it decimated homes, flooded neighborhoods, and cut off entire communities.
Devastation in the Wake of Melissa
The scale of the destruction left by Hurricane Melissa is staggering. Satellite images and drone footage released by Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness reveal a landscape scarred by felled trees, smashed cars, downed power lines, and ruined homes. In Cuba, the hurricane caused severe damage to the power grid, leaving only 37% operational. According to Daria Lonoce, an Italian resident in Jamaica, The wind is still relentless and the connection is weak, the fear is that the roof might blow off and that windows and doors might give way.
International Response
In response to the disaster, the governments of Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba are appealing for overseas aid. The United States, in a surprising move, has offered immediate humanitarian aid to Cuba. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the U.S. is prepared to offer immediate humanitarian aid to the people of Cuba
and added, U.S. law includes exemptions and authorizations relating to private donations of food, medicine, and other humanitarian goods to Cuba, as well as disaster response.
Current Status
As the hurricane moves away from the Caribbean, the focus now turns to recovery and rebuilding. Thousands have been displaced, and the death toll continues to rise, with at least 30 fatalities in the Caribbean. The hurricane, now a Category 4 storm, is heading towards Bermuda, and there are warnings about potential strengthening before eventual weakening.
In the aftermath of the devastation, residents are left to pick up the pieces and face the long road to recovery. Amid the ruins and destruction, the resilience of the Caribbean people is evident as they brace themselves to rebuild their communities.