Hurricane Melissa has continued its devastating sweep across the Caribbean, decimating homes and infrastructure, flooding neighborhoods, and leaving dozens dead. The impact in Jamaica was clearer on Wednesday, after the island nation was hit squarely by the category five storm—one of the most powerful hurricanes ever measured in the region. At least five people have been confirmed dead there, with an additional 20 lives lost in Haiti due to flooding as Melissa transitioned to a category two storm.
In Jamaica, people remain stranded on roofs and without power, as Prime Minister Andrew Holness highlighted the 'total devastation' across the island. Reports indicate that 80-90% of roofs were destroyed, alongside critical infrastructure such as hospitals and police stations.
King Charles expressed his 'deep concern' over the catastrophe and emphasized the urgent need to restore nature's balance as a preventive measure against such disasters. The destruction was widespread, with roads littered with debris in cities like Mandeville, where recovery efforts are expected to take months.
As the storm made its way towards Cuba, residents felt the terrifying winds and torrential rains, describing the sound similar to a tornado. Cuba’s president urged residents to brace for the worst as the storm approached their shores.
In Haiti, the humanitarian crisis deepened as flash flooding and landslides forced thousands into shelters, with significant loss of life reported, especially among children.
The U.S. has pledged a disaster response team to assess the needs in the hurricane's aftermath, highlighting the challenges foreign aid faces amid cuts to previous support structures.
Melissa is anticipated to move north towards the Bahamas and may develop into an extratropical cyclone, expanding the potential for destruction as it nears the eastern coast of Canada.
In Jamaica, people remain stranded on roofs and without power, as Prime Minister Andrew Holness highlighted the 'total devastation' across the island. Reports indicate that 80-90% of roofs were destroyed, alongside critical infrastructure such as hospitals and police stations.
King Charles expressed his 'deep concern' over the catastrophe and emphasized the urgent need to restore nature's balance as a preventive measure against such disasters. The destruction was widespread, with roads littered with debris in cities like Mandeville, where recovery efforts are expected to take months.
As the storm made its way towards Cuba, residents felt the terrifying winds and torrential rains, describing the sound similar to a tornado. Cuba’s president urged residents to brace for the worst as the storm approached their shores.
In Haiti, the humanitarian crisis deepened as flash flooding and landslides forced thousands into shelters, with significant loss of life reported, especially among children.
The U.S. has pledged a disaster response team to assess the needs in the hurricane's aftermath, highlighting the challenges foreign aid faces amid cuts to previous support structures.
Melissa is anticipated to move north towards the Bahamas and may develop into an extratropical cyclone, expanding the potential for destruction as it nears the eastern coast of Canada.
