Hurricane Melissa caused significant devastation in Cuba, Jamaica, and Haiti, resulting in numerous casualties and widespread destruction. The storm inflicted power outages and forced residents to evacuate their homes in flooded areas. In Jamaica, Santa Cruz’s main roads were blocked by a landslide, leaving streets covered in mud. Residents struggled to salvage their belongings amidst the chaos, with a high school also suffering roof damage.
The impact of the deadly Category 5 hurricane remained uncertain due to extensive power outages and hazardous conditions. Haiti reported at least 25 fatalities and 18 individuals missing, with a significant number of casualties in a southern coastal town where flooding destroyed many homes. The mayor of Petit-Goave in Haiti appealed for government assistance in rescuing victims, expressing overwhelming distress.
Cuba faced collapsed houses, blocked roads, and damaged roofs, particularly in the southwest and northwest regions. Approximately 735,000 people sought refuge in shelters. Residents described the experience as harrowing, with one individual in Santiago de Cuba highlighting the night’s terror. Melissa, originally a Category 3 hurricane in Cuba, was later downgraded to Category 2.
As Melissa advanced towards the Bahamas, authorities evacuated residents from vulnerable areas. The storm was projected to impact the southeastern Bahamas with storm surges of up to two meters. Canadians were advised to avoid travel to various regions affected by the hurricane to ensure safety.
Jamaica witnessed at least eight storm-related deaths, with thousands seeking shelter and enduring power outages. Communication breakdowns hindered damage assessment efforts, with officials emphasizing the challenging road to recovery. Urgent calls for aid came from Black River, Jamaica, where catastrophic conditions prompted pleas for assistance.
The aftermath of Melissa in Cuba prompted residents to clear debris and assess the damage to their homes. The hurricane exacerbated Cuba’s existing economic turmoil, potentially worsening power shortages and food scarcity. The United States pledged support for the Caribbean nations affected by Melissa, deploying rescue teams to aid recovery efforts.
In a separate development, the U.S. administration re-imposed economic sanctions on Cuba and prohibited tourism to the country. The situation in the hurricane-impacted regions remained dire, with recovery efforts underway amidst the widespread devastation.