Hurricane Melissa slammed into Jamaica early Wednesday, bringing intense winds and heavy rains that caused significant destruction and sparked emergency evacuations across the Caribbean. The powerful storm, now advancing toward Cuba, has raised alarm among officials bracing for its potentially devastating impact.
Melissa, classified as a Category 3 hurricane upon landfall, unleashed torrential downpours and gusts exceeding 120 mph. In Jamaica, entire communities were battered by flooding and fallen trees, with reports of widespread power outages and damaged infrastructure. Authorities issued mandatory evacuation orders in vulnerable areas, relocating thousands to safer shelters to reduce risk to life.
The storm’s rapid approach has Cuban officials mobilizing resources and executing preparedness plans. Coastal areas are on high alert with residents urged to secure properties and heed evacuation advisories. Meteorologists warn that Melissa could maintain Category 2 strength as it nears the eastern Cuban provinces, threatening additional heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides.
Caribbean nations remain vigilant, working to restore emergency services in the aftermath of Melissa’s initial passage. Relief agencies are coordinating efforts to assist displaced families and address urgent humanitarian needs. The storm’s unpredictable path continues to pose challenges for disaster response teams in the region.
As Hurricane Melissa advances, communities and governments are bracing for what could be days of severe weather, underscoring the ongoing vulnerability of the Caribbean to powerful tropical storms during hurricane season. The focus now shifts to Cuba’s preparedness and resilience in the face of this dangerous and rapidly evolving threat
