Hurricane Melissa Devastates Caribbean, Leaving Extensive Destruction and Dozens Dead
In what has been described as the most powerful hurricane of the year, Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of devastation across the Caribbean, causing widespread destruction in Cuba, Jamaica, and Haiti, and resulting in dozens of fatalities across the region. After initially reaching Category 5 status and battering Jamaica, the hurricane was downgraded as it moved towards Cuba, though it remained a potent and destructive force.
Background and Context
Hurricane Melissa first reached Category 5 status as it hit Jamaica, making it the strongest storm to have struck the country in modern history. The hurricane then weakened to a Category 4 as it moved towards Cuba, and further downgraded to Category 3 upon its arrival. Despite this downgrade, Melissa still managed to wreak havoc across the region with wind speeds of up to 300 km/h.
Damage and Casualties
As reported by the South China Morning Post, Hurricane Melissa left widespread destruction across Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica, with roofless homes, fallen pylons, and waterlogged furniture dominating the landscape. In Jamaica, the hurricane left roads blocked and over half a million people without power, leading the country to be declared a 'disaster zone'. Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba are currently taking stock of the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa and recovery efforts are underway.
According to Le Monde, Hurricane Melissa caused at least 30 deaths in Cuba, three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic. The casualty count is expected to rise as the affected areas become accessible again.
Evacuation and Response
Prior to Hurricane Melissa's arrival in Cuba, authorities evacuated more than 700,000 people as a precautionary measure. Following the destruction, the United Nations announced plans to send personnel to the affected islands, and the U.S. State Department is deploying a regional disaster assistance response team and activated U.S.-based urban search and rescue teams to support response efforts in the region.
However, the New York Times criticized the effectiveness of the American weather machine during the Trump era, stating that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is understaffed and had to rely on volunteers to track the hurricane.
Current Status and Future Impacts
As of now, Hurricane Melissa has weakened to a Category 2 storm and is moving away from Cuba. However, the aftermath of the hurricane continues to pose challenges for the affected nations. Schools, businesses, and administrations remained closed in Haiti on Wednesday following the hurricane. In Jamaica, 50% of the island is still without power and the airports remain closed, affecting travel for many, including approximately 100 Argentine tourists stranded due to the hurricane.
The impacts of Hurricane Melissa will likely be felt for a long time, with the Red Cross anticipating a 'shattering and long-lasting' effect on the region. As the recovery efforts continue, the global community stands in solidarity with the Caribbean nations devastated by this record-breaking hurricane.