HAVANA: Just hours after leaving a trail of destruction across Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa made landfall in eastern Cuba on Wednesday, unleashing catastrophic winds and torrential rains that have brought the Caribbean region to its knees.
From Jamaica to Cuba: A Path of Destruction
The powerful Category 4 storm, packing sustained winds of 130 mph (215 kph), struck Cuba's Santiago de Cuba province with devastating force. The hurricane's rapid progression from Jamaica to Cuba has left emergency services scrambling across both nations.
"We are facing one of the most significant weather events in recent memory," stated Cuban meteorological officials as the storm battered coastal communities.
Jamaica's Devastation: The First Blow
Before targeting Cuba, Hurricane Melissa carved a destructive path through Jamaica, where:
- Multiple communities were completely isolated by floodwaters
- Critical infrastructure including power lines and communication towers suffered extensive damage
- Emergency shelters overflowed with displaced residents
- Agricultural sectors, particularly banana and coffee plantations, were decimated
Cuban Preparations and Impact
Cuban authorities had initiated massive evacuation efforts ahead of the storm's arrival, moving over 50,000 residents to safer ground. Despite these preparations, early reports indicate:
- Widespread power outages across eastern provinces
- Coastal communities submerged under storm surge
- Significant structural damage to buildings and homes
- Emergency response teams hampered by blocked roads
Regional Response and International Aid
Neighbouring Caribbean nations have mobilized disaster response teams, while international aid organizations are coordinating relief efforts. The United Nations has pledged immediate assistance to both affected countries.
"The speed at which this hurricane developed and intensified has caught everyone by surprise," noted a regional weather expert monitoring the situation.
What's Next for Hurricane Melissa?
Meteorological projections indicate the storm will continue northwestward, potentially affecting the Bahamas and Florida in the coming days. Residents in these areas are advised to monitor updates closely and prepare for possible evacuation orders.
The Caribbean Meteorological Organization has emphasized that climate change is contributing to more frequent and intense hurricane activity in the region, making preparedness more critical than ever.
