Kingston [Jamaica]: Widespread rescue and relief operations are underway across the Caribbean after Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful Atlantic storms in over a century, wreaked havoc on Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake, according to CNN.
The storm unleashed torrential rainfall and violent winds, destroying thousands of homes, submerging towns under floodwaters, and knocking out power grids across several islands. Emergency teams are now working to clear debris and restore access to cut-off regions as international aid begins to pour in.
Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane, with sustained winds of up to 185 mph (295 km/h) — one of the strongest storms to ever strike the island. Officials in Black River reported a storm surge exceeding 15 feet, which devastated the town’s infrastructure.
Scenes of desperation unfolded as residents searched for food, water, and missing family members. Jamaica’s Defence Forces have deployed helicopters for relief and evacuation efforts. Government officials said that over 13,000 people remain in shelters, and nearly 72 percent of the island is still without power.
“Our country’s infrastructure has suffered massive damage and remains critically impaired,” said Desmond McKenzie, Jamaica’s Minister for Local Government and Community Development.
In Cuba, Hurricane Melissa made landfall as a Category 3 storm on Wednesday, triggering severe flooding, landslides, and power outages. President Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed “extensive destruction,” particularly in eastern provinces where hundreds of rural communities remain isolated.
Authorities evacuated more than 735,000 people before the storm’s arrival, CNN reported. Cuba’s Foreign Ministry said it remains in contact with the U.S. State Department regarding potential humanitarian assistance.
With communications down in many areas and relief efforts stretching across national borders, international organizations and governments have mobilized emergency aid, pledging food, medical supplies, and technical support to help affected nations recover from the storm’s unprecedented impact.
