Hurricane Melissa Causes Widespread Devastation in Jamaica and Cuba

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on March 5, 2024, as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, bringing with it winds of up to 185 mph (295 kph) and heavy rainfall. This powerful hurricane is one of the most intense Atlantic storms recorded, resulting in devastating impacts across Jamaica. It is now set to strike eastern Cuba as a major hurricane, with forecasts indicating it will reach the island early on March 6.

In Jamaica, the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has been severe. The storm prompted widespread evacuations as officials warned of potential flooding and landslides. Reports indicate that over 500,000 customers are currently without power, with significant damage to infrastructure, including roads and utility poles. Emergency services are finding it challenging to assess the extensive damage due to blocked access routes.

Impact on Infrastructure and Communities

Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Council, highlighted that nearly every parish in the country is facing challenges, with some areas, particularly in St. Elizabeth, completely inundated. “St. Elizabeth is under water,” McKenzie stated, emphasizing the widespread nature of the destruction. Four hospitals were damaged, with one facility losing power, necessitating the evacuation of 75 patients.

The storm also claimed lives across the Caribbean, with reports confirming at least seven deaths attributed to Hurricane Melissa, including three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic. One person remains missing in the Dominican Republic, heightening concerns about the storm’s impact on vulnerable communities.

As the storm approached Cuba, preparations were underway to protect residents. A hurricane warning is currently in effect for several provinces, including Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Holguin, and Las Tunas. Authorities have evacuated hundreds of thousands of residents to shelters in anticipation of the hurricane’s arrival.

Preparation and Relief Efforts

The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported that early on March 6, Hurricane Melissa had weakened to a Category 3 storm, with sustained winds of 115 mph (185 kph) as it moved northeast at 12 mph (19 kph). At that time, the storm was located approximately 60 miles (97 kilometers) west of Guantánamo, Cuba, and 230 miles (370 kilometers) south of the central Bahamas.

In Cuba, residents have been preparing by securing homes and gathering essential supplies. Local organizations and international relief agencies are mobilizing to provide assistance across the northern Caribbean. Nonprofit groups have advised that monetary donations are the most effective form of aid, as unsolicited goods can overwhelm already strained logistics systems.

With the destruction brought by Hurricane Melissa, the government of Jamaica announced plans to reopen all airports as early as March 7 to facilitate the distribution of emergency relief supplies. As communities begin the long road to recovery, the focus will be on assessing damage, restoring services, and providing support to those affected by this powerful storm.