Cyclone: Hurricane ‘Melissa,’ which formed in the Atlantic Ocean, is causing widespread devastation. Now a Category 5 storm, Melissa is the most destructive hurricane of the century, with wind speeds reaching 300 kilometers per hour.
After causing havoc in Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic, the storm is now moving towards Bermuda. The hurricane has resulted in the deaths of at least 30 people and has left over one million people homeless. A state of high alert and emergency has been declared in the affected countries, and governments have launched relief and rescue operations.
Hurricane Melissa slammed into southwest Jamaica overnight, killing seven and leaving over half a million without power. Officials say 25,000 tourists are stranded as the storm heads toward Cuba, where 700,000 have been evacuated. pic.twitter.com/tj7t3E88t8
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Unprecedented Destruction in Jamaica
The cyclone made landfall near New Hope on Jamaica’s southwestern coast on Tuesday, October 28. During this time, winds of 185 miles per hour (300 km/h) battered the island.
Historic Disaster: This is the most destructive storm in Jamaica’s 174-year history, displacing 500,000 people.
Impact: Widespread flooding and landslides occurred. Roofs were torn off houses, streets were submerged, and power was knocked out. Five people died in separate incidents.
Official Response: Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed grief over the devastation, stating, “There has been significant damage, but we will rebuild our country. We will begin reconstruction.”
Widespread Displacement in Cuba and Haiti
After lashing Jamaica, now as a Category 3 storm, Melissa reached Cuba on Wednesday evening, with winds of 208 km/h.
Cuba: The storm hit the coast near Santiago de Cuba, generating 7-foot-high storm surges. This caused flooding in coastal areas, forcing the evacuation and relocation of approximately 600,000 people. President Miguel Díaz-Canel had preemptively declared a high alert and state of emergency.
Haiti and Dominican Republic: The hurricane caused approximately 25 deaths in Haiti and one death in the Dominican Republic. According to the U.S. Weather Department, the storm also impacted the Florida coast with 300 km/h winds.
Current Path: Heading Towards Bermuda
The cyclone is currently affecting the Bahamas, where it made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane. The Bahamas are experiencing heavy rainfall and winds of 100 km per hour. The storm is expected to move towards Bermuda next.
The warm temperatures of the Caribbean Sea fueled Melissa into a powerful and explosive storm. In response to the devastation, the United States has sent disaster relief teams and aid to assist the affected nations.
