The relentless fury of Hurricane Melissa has claimed at least 29 lives across Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti, leaving a trail of unimaginable devastation in its wake. Now, the storm, though diminished, races towards Bermuda, carrying the threat of further destruction.
In Jamaica, the landscape is scarred. Residents sift through the wreckage of their homes, desperately salvaging what little remains. Sylvester Guthrie, of Lacovia, stood amidst the debris, his voice heavy with despair. “I don’t have a house now,” he confessed, clutching his bicycle – the sole possession spared by the storm’s wrath.
The southwestern coastal community of Black River has been utterly decimated, described by Prime Minister Andrew Holness as “ground zero.” Reports indicate up to 90% of homes have lost their roofs, leaving families exposed and vulnerable. The full extent of the damage is still unfolding as communities struggle to comprehend the scale of the loss.
Across the island, floodwaters have engulfed neighborhoods, forcing over 25,000 people to seek refuge in shelters. A staggering 77% of Jamaica is now without power, plunging the nation into darkness and hindering rescue efforts. At least four bodies have already been recovered, a grim testament to the storm’s power.
Melissa initially slammed into land as a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane, marking one of the most powerful Atlantic landfalls ever recorded. The sheer force of the winds and torrential rain overwhelmed defenses, leaving communities shattered and reeling.
Haiti has suffered a particularly devastating blow. At least 25 lives have been lost, with 18 more individuals still missing after a river overflowed its banks, unleashing a torrent of deadly floodwaters. The tragedy is deeply personal for many.
Steven Guadard, a resident of Petit-Goave, recounted a heartbreaking loss: his entire family – a one-month-old infant, children aged seven, eight, and nearly four – perished in the storm. The Civil Protection Agency confirmed that at least 20 people, including ten children, died in Petit-Goave alone.
“It is a sad moment for the country,” stated Laurent Saint-Cyr, president of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, acknowledging the profound grief gripping the nation. The storm has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, pushing an already fragile country to the brink.
Cuba, while spared the loss of life, faced significant challenges. Isolated communities required rescue operations, and crews are working tirelessly to clear blocked roads and highways after evacuating over 735,000 people from eastern Cuba. The recovery process will be long and arduous.
Though downgraded to a Category 2 storm, Melissa has unexpectedly gained speed, sweeping through the Bahamas and now bearing down on Bermuda. Sustained winds are currently near 105 mph, and a hurricane warning remains in effect for the island nation. Further rainfall of up to 10 inches is anticipated.
The storm’s path continues to unfold, and the coming hours will be critical for Bermuda as it prepares to withstand the impact of this powerful and unpredictable hurricane. The region remains on high alert, bracing for whatever Melissa may bring.
