'Unprecedented' Hurricane Melissa Leaves Trail of Destruction Across the Caribbean

At least 50 people are confirmed dead as Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record, tore through the Caribbean, leaving widespread destruction in its wake on Wednesday. The hurricane, which reached Category 5 strength at its peak, caused devastation across Haiti, Jamaica, and Cuba. However, authorities expect the death toll to rise as recovery efforts continue.

Fierce Winds and Catastrophic Flooding

Melissa first made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday night as a Category 5 storm, the strongest to hit the island since record-keeping began in 1851. The hurricane unleashed fierce winds of up to 185mph and torrential rain, causing catastrophic flooding and widespread power outages. Western parts of Jamaica were the hardest hit, with 90% of homes in the town of Black River losing their roofs or being destroyed entirely.

Despite losing some power while crossing Jamaica's mountainous terrain, Melissa maintained its strength as a major hurricane. It was downgraded to a Category 4 storm as it approached Cuba, threatening the island with winds between 140 and 145mph. The storm continued to cause destruction as it moved on to batter Cuba and Haiti.

Devastation Across the Caribbean

Haiti reported the highest number of casualties, with the death toll nearing 50 in Haiti and Jamaica combined. This Caribbean nation suffered from catastrophic flooding triggered by the hurricane's heavy rains, even though it was not directly hit. Meanwhile, in Jamaica, roads are blocked, and over half a million people are left without power.

Cuba also faced significant damage, with the storm forcing the evacuation of 700,000 people. After causing widespread destruction across Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba, Melissa was downgraded to a Category 2 storm as it passed over Cuba.

International Response and Recovery Efforts

In response to the disaster, the US State Department deployed disaster assistance response teams and activated U.S.-based urban search and rescue teams to support the affected regions. The teams are expected to arrive in Jamaica since the airport hasn’t suffered too much damage. The State Department has also requested the Department of War to provide airlift support for food, water, and other essential supplies for the victims. The UK, on the other hand, has chartered flights to transport British nationals out of Jamaica.

Current Status

The U.S. National Hurricane Centre reports that, somewhat weakened but still threatening, Melissa will bring damaging winds and flooding rains to the Bahamas on October 29 before moving on to Bermuda late October 30. Meanwhile, recovery efforts are ongoing in the Caribbean, with many residents facing destroyed homes, power outages, and the grim task of counting their losses. Satellite images reveal the scale of the destruction, with flattened homes and flooded streets marking the aftermath of this unprecedented hurricane.