Hurricane Melissa Slams Eastern Cuba, Leaving Trail of Destruction Across the Caribbean
Hurricane Melissa made a devastating landfall early Wednesday on the eastern coast of Cuba, bringing destructive winds, torrential rain, and widespread flooding across the Caribbean. The Category 3 hurricane hit near the coastal city of Chivirico in Santiago de Cuba province, packing sustained winds of up to 120 mph (193 kph), according to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC).
Melissa’s impact follows its deadly path through Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, making it one of the most powerful tropical systems to strike the Caribbean in recent years. The storm left at least seven people dead and one missing as it barreled across the region, triggering landslides, power outages, and severe infrastructure damage.
From Jamaica to Cuba: A Relentless Path of Destruction
Before reaching Cuba, Hurricane Melissa unleashed catastrophic winds and rainfall across Jamaica, making landfall there with sustained winds of 185 mph (295 kph). The National Hurricane Centre reported that the storm caused flash flooding, toppled trees, and tore off rooftops, leaving thousands homeless. The Jamaican government later confirmed three deaths and announced plans to reopen airports by Thursday to facilitate emergency aid deliveries.
In Haiti and the Dominican Republic, already struggling with economic and political instability, Melissa’s torrential rains unleashed deadly mudslides. Three people were killed in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, while rescue teams continue to search for missing residents. Roads were cut off by debris, and communication lines were severely disrupted in several southern provinces.
Eastern Cuba Bears the Brunt
By early Wednesday morning, Melissa made its Cuban landfall, slamming into the island’s eastern provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Holguín, and Las Tunas. As the eye of the storm moved northeast at about 10 mph (16 kph), communities across the region were battered by fierce gusts and rain that in some areas exceeded 20 inches (51 centimeters).
Michael Brennan, director of the US National Hurricane Centre, warned that numerous landslides were likely across Cuba’s mountainous eastern region. The heavy rainfall combined with already saturated soil made conditions ripe for flash floods and mudslides that endangered hundreds of homes.
Widespread Power Outages and Hospital Evacuations
Cuba’s electricity grid, already weakened by fuel shortages and infrastructure problems, suffered a severe blow from the hurricane. Officials reported that more than 500,000 customers lost power across the island. Crews worked tirelessly to restore electricity, but continued rainfall and flooding made the effort dangerous.
The storm also damaged four hospitals in Santiago de Cuba province, leaving one facility without power. Health officials were forced to evacuate 75 patients to safer locations as floodwaters rose and strong winds ripped off parts of the roofing. Emergency shelters across the region filled up quickly as authorities urged residents in low-lying areas to seek safety.
Economic Impact Deepens Cuba’s Crisis
For Cuba, Hurricane Melissa struck at a time of deepening economic challenges. The country’s ongoing fuel shortages, disrupted power supply, and limited food imports have pushed many families toward crisis conditions. The government has struggled to maintain basic public services, and the storm’s devastation threatens to worsen food scarcity and housing shortages.
Agricultural losses are expected to be extensive, especially in eastern farming regions that supply much of the country’s fruit and coffee. Flooding destroyed crops and livestock, while blocked roads hindered transport of emergency aid and food supplies.
Experts warn that the long-term recovery could take months, if not years, as Cuba faces growing difficulties accessing international relief funds due to longstanding financial and trade restrictions.
Bahamas and Bermuda on Alert
After sweeping across eastern Cuba, Melissa was forecast to continue northeast, heading toward the southeastern and central Bahamas by late Wednesday. The National Hurricane Centre issued hurricane warnings for several Bahamian islands, expecting heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surges as high as 12 feet (3.6 meters) along coastal areas.
A hurricane watch was also in effect for Bermuda, prompting officials there to prepare emergency measures and advise residents to secure property and stock up on supplies. The NHC warned that as Melissa moves over open waters, it could maintain much of its strength before gradually weakening over cooler Atlantic seas.
Humanitarian Response and Relief Efforts
Emergency response teams across the Caribbean have mobilized to assess damage and provide aid to affected communities. In Jamaica, local and international relief agencies began distributing food, clean water, and medical supplies. The government coordinated with regional partners to speed up airport reopenings and restore communication services.
In Cuba, soldiers and civil defense units were deployed to clear debris and restore essential infrastructure. International humanitarian organizations, including the Red Cross, have offered assistance, though logistics remain difficult due to damaged roads and persistent flooding.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert to prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases, urging local governments to prioritize sanitation and safe water access.
A Growing Pattern of Extreme Weather
Meteorologists have noted that Hurricane Melissa is another reminder of the increasing intensity of tropical storms in the Atlantic. Warmer ocean temperatures and changing climate conditions are fueling stronger and more destructive hurricanes across the region.
Caribbean nations, already vulnerable to economic instability and limited resources, face mounting challenges in adapting to the growing threat of extreme weather. Disaster preparedness programs, early warning systems, and investment in resilient infrastructure are becoming critical to mitigate future losses.
Communities Begin to Rebuild
As the rain begins to ease in Cuba and Jamaica, communities are beginning the difficult process of recovery. Families are salvaging what they can from flooded homes, while volunteers and local governments work to reopen roads and restore electricity.
In Santiago de Cuba, residents described scenes of devastation, with uprooted trees blocking streets and crops destroyed in nearby fields. “We’ve never seen flooding like this in years,” said one resident. “It will take a long time to recover, but we have hope.”
Despite the destruction, the resilience of Caribbean communities continues to shine. Aid efforts, both local and international, are expected to accelerate in the coming days as skies clear and relief shipments arrive. The road ahead remains long, but for now, survival and solidarity are at the heart of the recovery process.
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