Hurricane Melissa Leaves Devastation Across Caribbean, Sparking Urgent Relief Efforts
SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Cuba (AP) — In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, residents of Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica are grappling with staggering loss and destruction. The storm, which made landfall with winds reaching 185 mph, has resulted in at least 23 confirmed deaths across the region, with many families left homeless and infrastructure severely damaged.
Widespread Damage and Casualties
The destruction left in the path of Hurricane Melissa is unprecedented. In Jamaica, the storm caused landslides that blocked major roads, particularly in Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth parish. Residents are working tirelessly to sweep water from their homes and salvage whatever belongings they can. Jennifer Small, a local resident, described the calamity, stating, “I never see anything like this before in all my years living here.”
- Fatalities in Haiti: Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency reported that 23 people have died and 13 are still missing. The town of Petit-Goâve has seen significant devastation, with flooding leading to the collapse of numerous homes.
- Casualties in Jamaica: As recovery teams assess the damage, at least four bodies have been found, and local officials are urging for swift aid, describing the situation as “catastrophic.”
- Impact on Cuba: In Cuba, the hurricane caused severe damages to homes, with about 735,000 people seeking refuge in shelters. Reports highlight destroyed buildings, flooded hospitals, and widespread devastation in the province of Santiago de Cuba.
Challenges in Emergency Response
The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has posed immense challenges for emergency services across impacted nations. In Jamaica, a communication blackout has hindered efforts to assess the full extent of the damage. Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon announced that 77% of the island is currently without power, complicating rescue and relief operations.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness reassured the public that the government is fully mobilized, stating, “Recovery will take time, but we are doing everything possible to restore normalcy quickly.” Emergency services are grappling with flooded facilities, ruining their capacity to respond effectively.
International Aid and Support
In response to the catastrophe, the U.S. Defense Department has dispatched rescue teams to aid recovery efforts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that teams are coordinating with Caribbean nations including Haiti, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas to ensure timely distribution of assistance.
- Air Force Contributions: The U.S. Air Force Reserve’s “Hurricane Hunters” flew closely through Melissa to gather vital weather data for ongoing assessments.
- Local Pleas for Help: Officials in Black River, Jamaica, have made urgent appeals for aid, lamenting the destruction of the local supply storage facility.
Long-term Implications for Recovery
The impact of Hurricane Melissa comes at a time when Cuba is grappling with a serious economic crisis characterized by food and fuel shortages. Recovery from the hurricane could exacerbate existing challenges, making it difficult for communities to rebound quickly. Alexis Ramos, a resident assessing the ruins of his home, articulated the sentiment felt by many, “Life is what matters… Repairing this costs money, a lot of money.”
Current Status of the Storm
As Hurricane Melissa continues to move through the Caribbean, it has weakened slightly but remains a significant threat. The storm, now carrying winds of 100 mph, is expected to generate dangerous storm surges and flooding as it approaches the Bahamas. Residents in these regions are being urged to prepare for further impacts.
Michael Brennan, director of the National Hurricane Center, noted that “the storm is growing in size,” with tropical storm force winds extending nearly 200 miles from the center.