Hurricane Melissa wreaked havoc across Cuba, Jamaica, and Haiti, causing significant damage and casualties. In Jamaica, Santa Cruz in St. Elizabeth parish faced a major landslide, leaving streets covered in mud and homes flooded. The storm damaged a high school serving as a shelter, prompting residents to salvage their belongings amidst power outages.
Haiti reported at least 25 deaths and 18 missing individuals due to the hurricane, with the most affected area being a southern coastal town where flooding destroyed numerous homes. In Cuba, authorities noted collapsed houses, blocked roads, and roofs torn off buildings, particularly in the southwest and northwest regions. Approximately 735,000 people sought refuge in shelters.
Melissa, initially a Category 5 hurricane, weakened to a Category 3 while crossing Cuba but further downgraded to Category 2. The storm maintained sustained winds of 150 km/h and moved northeast at 26 km/h near the central Bahamas. The Bahamas initiated evacuations ahead of Melissa’s arrival, expecting significant storm surges and potential impact.
The Canadian government advised against travel to various regions, including Jamaica, specific parts of Cuba, Haiti, the southeastern and central Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, and Bermuda. Emergency assistance for Canadians affected by the hurricane is available through the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.
Recovery efforts in the affected countries faced challenges due to communication blackouts and widespread power outages. Officials in Jamaica and Cuba acknowledged the daunting task of rebuilding infrastructure and assisting affected residents. The United States pledged support through rescue and response teams to aid in the recovery process.
The economic impact of Hurricane Melissa added strain to Cuba’s existing crisis, characterized by power shortages and food scarcity. Residents in Santiago de Cuba began clearing debris and assessing damages as they grappled with the aftermath of the storm. International efforts aimed to provide relief and restore normalcy in the hurricane-affected regions.
