Massive evacuations are ongoing in countries facing the destructive force of Hurricane Melissa, described as “catastrophic.” The hurricane, which previously devastated Jamaica as one of the most powerful storms in Atlantic history, has now weakened to a Category 2 as it advances through Cuba. Hundreds of thousands of Cuban residents have been relocated to shelters in anticipation of the storm’s impact.
The mayor of Petit-Goâve in Haiti reported 25 fatalities due to flooding caused by the overflowing La Digue river, with numerous homes collapsing and individuals trapped under debris. Hurricane Melissa, with sustained winds of 105mph, is currently moving north-northeast, positioned near Guantánamo, Cuba, and the central Bahamas.
The National Hurricane Centre in Miami has urged the Bahamas to expedite storm preparations, as Melissa is projected to veer towards the northeast, posing threats of strong winds and heavy rainfall for the Bahamas and Bermuda. Even regions on the outskirts of the storm, like Turks and Caicos, are cautioned about potential life-threatening storm surges.
In their advisory for the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, the agency emphasizes the imminent arrival of hurricane conditions, dangerous storm surges, and substantial rainfall. Flash floods and landslides are anticipated in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with expectations of severe damage and community isolation. Bermuda is warned of approaching hurricanes and heavy rainfall starting Thursday.
Having struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm with winds of 185 mph, Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of devastation before moving towards Cuba. The UK government has allocated £2.5 million in humanitarian aid for Jamaica, focusing on delivering essential supplies like shelter materials, water purifiers, and blankets. British nationals stranded in the region are receiving assistance from the Royal Navy and a specialist team deployed to Miami.
Approximately 8,000 UK citizens are believed to be in Jamaica, with all airports currently shut down. The Foreign Office of the UK anticipates Melissa to be the most powerful hurricane in Jamaican history, causing severe damage to towns and infrastructure. The island is grappling with widespread power outages, affecting a significant portion of its population.