A devastating Category 5 Hurricane Melissa made landfall in southwestern Jamaica, causing severe flooding, roof damage, and road blockages due to boulders tumbling onto roads. The powerful storm, with winds reaching 295 km/h, resulted in landslides, fallen trees, and widespread power outages near New Hope. Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed concerns about the region’s lack of infrastructure to withstand such a catastrophic event, emphasizing the challenge of the recovery process.
Reports indicated that three families were trapped in their homes in Black River as floodwaters rose, making it dangerous for rescue crews to reach them. Desmond McKenzie from Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Council described the chaotic scene with roofs being ripped off buildings and emphasized the urgency to assist those affected.
The southwestern parish of St. Elizabeth suffered extensive damage, with McKenzie highlighting the area being submerged under water. While there were no confirmed deaths at the time, the full extent of the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa, the most intense storm in the island’s history, was yet to be determined.
Jamaica’s Meteorological Service warned of a heavy storm surge in northern Jamaica as Melissa moved offshore towards Cuba, where it was expected to hit as a major hurricane. Thousands of Jamaicans sought shelter, with a significant portion of the population experiencing power outages.
Colin Bogle, an aid adviser, shared accounts of families sheltering in place, waiting for the storm to pass. Reports of deaths in the Caribbean, including Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, underscored the destructive impact of Hurricane Melissa.
As the storm progressed, concerns shifted towards Cuba, with preparations underway for its arrival. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel urged caution as the nation braced for the unprecedented force of the storm. Canadians were advised to avoid travel to eastern Cuba and were encouraged to register with consular services for updates and emergency assistance.
In Canada, the Canadian Hurricane Centre issued advisories anticipating the storm’s effects on eastern Canada. The potential for heavy rainfall and strong winds in the region was highlighted as Hurricane Melissa’s trajectory was monitored.