Hurricane Melissa Claims 30 Lives and Leaves Destruction in the Caribbean

Hurricane Melissa has wreaked havoc across the Caribbean, resulting in at least 30 people dead or missing in Haiti and causing significant destruction in Jamaica and Cuba. The storm, initially packing maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h, has left many communities grappling with unprecedented damage as it heads towards the Bahamas and Bermuda, albeit weakened.

In Haiti, the situation is dire. According to Emmanuel Pierre, head of the civil defense agency, flooding caused by the hurricane has claimed the lives of at least 20 individuals in southern Haiti, including 10 children. Another ten people are reported missing as rescue efforts struggle against the aftermath of the storm.

Widespread Devastation in Jamaica and Cuba

As Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica, UN resident coordinator Dennis Zulu described the storm’s impact as “tremendous” and noted the extensive damage to infrastructure, properties, and connectivity. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has declared the island a “disaster area.” Although no confirmed fatalities have been reported in Jamaica, the government is working actively to provide relief and restore services.

“The teams are on the ground working tirelessly to rescue, restore, and bring relief where it’s needed most,” Holness stated on social media. The Prime Minister urged residents to remain strong, promising that recovery efforts would prevail.

Cuba is experiencing severe repercussions as well. President Miguel Diaz-Canel acknowledged the “extensive damage” on the island, which is battling its worst economic crisis in decades. Streets in eastern Cuba are flooded and littered with debris, with homes collapsing under the weight of the storm. Residents have been seen carrying their belongings and assisting those unable to walk.

Reports indicate that in El Cobre, rescue workers are attempting to reach 17 individuals, including children and the elderly, who have become trapped by rising floodwaters and landslides. A local resident, rheumatologist Lionnis Francos, communicated their precarious situation, stating, “We are safe and trying to stay calm.”

International Response and Climate Concerns

In light of the devastation, the United States is coordinating with the governments of Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas to provide rescue and response teams along with lifesaving supplies. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed solidarity with the affected nations, stating, “Our prayers are with the people of the Caribbean.”

The full extent of Hurricane Melissa’s destruction is still being assessed, with communication networks severely disrupted throughout the region. Minister Desmond McKenzie reported that several hospitals in Jamaica have been damaged, particularly in Saint Elizabeth, which is described as “underwater.” Approximately 25,000 people have sought refuge in shelters as recovery efforts continue.

Experts attribute the increased intensity of storms like Melissa to climate change, which enhances storm energy through warmer sea surface temperatures. Climate scientist Daniel Gilford remarked, “Human-caused climate change is making all of the worst aspects of Hurricane Melissa even worse.”

As the Caribbean reels from this catastrophic event, the focus shifts towards recovery and rebuilding efforts in the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s destructive path.