Hurricane Melissa caused significant devastation in Cuba, Jamaica, and Haiti, resulting in numerous fatalities and widespread destruction. The storm led to power outages, displacements, and severe damage to infrastructure in the affected areas.
In Jamaica, the town of Santa Cruz in St. Elizabeth parish was heavily impacted, with landslides blocking main roads and leaving streets covered in mud. Residents faced challenges salvaging their belongings and dealing with damaged homes. The local high school, serving as a shelter, had part of its roof torn off by strong winds.
Haiti reported at least 25 deaths and 18 missing persons, primarily in a southern coastal town where flooding caused the collapse of numerous homes. The mayor of Petit-Goave in Haiti expressed desperation for government assistance in rescuing victims and addressing the crisis.
Cuba also suffered significant damage, including collapsed houses, blocked roads, and roofs torn off buildings, particularly in the southwest and northwest regions. Over 700,000 individuals sought refuge in shelters as the hurricane caused chaos and destruction across the country.
As Melissa moved through the region, its status was downgraded from a Category 3 to a Category 2 hurricane. The storm’s impacts were felt in the Bahamas, where authorities evacuated residents from vulnerable areas to mitigate potential risks.
The Canadian government issued travel advisories, urging caution and avoiding non-essential travel to several areas affected by the hurricane. Canadians in need of emergency assistance were advised to contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre for support.
Efforts to recover and provide relief were underway in the aftermath of the storm. Rescue and response teams from the United States were mobilized to assist in the recovery efforts in the affected Caribbean countries. The U.S. administration’s recent economic embargo on Cuba and tourism ban added complexity to the situation in the region.