Hurricane Melissa wreaked havoc in Cuba, Jamaica, and Haiti, resulting in numerous fatalities and extensive damage on Wednesday. The storm caused power outages and forced residents to evacuate from flooded areas.
In Jamaica’s St. Elizabeth parish, Santa Cruz was hit by a landslide, blocking major roads and turning streets into muddy messes. Residents struggled to salvage belongings and pump water out of their homes. Extensive damage was seen at a local high school, which serves as a shelter.
Haiti reported at least 25 deaths and 18 missing individuals, mainly from a coastal town where flooding destroyed numerous homes. The mayor of Petit-Goave in southern Haiti appealed for government assistance in rescuing victims.
Cuba experienced collapsed houses, impassable mountain roads, and damaged buildings, particularly in the southwest and northwest regions. A significant number of people sought refuge in shelters, with reports of roofs being torn off structures.
Melissa, initially a Category 5 hurricane, weakened to a Category 2 after passing through Cuba. The storm was moving northeast with sustained winds of 150 km/h, centered southeast of the central Bahamas.
Canadian authorities advised against travel to several regions affected by Melissa, including Jamaica, parts of Cuba, Haiti, the southeastern and central Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, and Bermuda. Canadians requiring emergency assistance were directed to contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.
In Jamaica, where eight deaths were confirmed, over 25,000 individuals sought refuge in shelters. The island faced widespread power outages, hindering communication and assessment of the damage. Government officials aimed to reopen airports for the swift distribution of emergency aid.
Cuba’s ongoing economic crisis, compounded by Melissa’s impact, raised concerns about exacerbating shortages of essential resources. Residents in Santiago de Cuba began cleanup efforts amidst widespread destruction.
The United States pledged support and dispatched rescue teams to aid in the Caribbean’s recovery. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted collaboration with affected countries, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to assisting in the aftermath of the storm.
The U.S. administration’s recent decision to reinstate economic sanctions on Cuba and prohibit tourism further complicated relief efforts in the region.