In a tragic turn of events, Hurricane Melissa has claimed the lives of at least 19 individuals in Jamaica, as reported by Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon. The storm, deemed one of the most powerful hurricanes to strike the Caribbean, has also led to a significant loss of life in Haiti, with officials confirming at least 30 fatalities. As search and rescue operations continue, authorities are striving to deliver aid to the most affected areas.
Minister Dixon highlighted that entire communities in Jamaica appear to be marooned, with some regions completely flattened by the hurricane's ferocity. The western areas of the island are particularly hard-hit, showcasing devastating scenes of destruction. Currently, electricity remains out across most of Jamaica, and as residents attempt to salvage their belongings from floodwaters and mud, many are growing increasingly desperate for aid.
With parts of Jamaica having gone without water for several days and food supplies dwindling, the situation is becoming dire. However, aid supplies are beginning to arrive more swiftly as the main airport in Kingston has returned to a largely normal operational status. Smaller regional airports, crucial for delivering humanitarian assistance, remain partially operational, complicating relief efforts.
Humanitarian agencies, alongside the military, are working diligently to transport essential supplies from Kingston to the areas most in need, despite many roadways being impassable. Satellite imagery reveals that nearly all buildings in some Jamaican villages have been destroyed, a stark testament to the hurricane's impact.
Residents of western Jamaican towns have expressed their despair, with Trevor 'Zyanigh' Whyte, a resident of White House in Westmoreland parish, describing the situation as incomprehensible. Communication lines have been disrupted, leaving many cut off from their loved ones. "Every tree is on the road, right, so you can't get too far with the cars, not even a bicycle," he lamented.
In Haiti, the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has also been catastrophic, particularly in the town of Petit-Goave, where many deaths occurred due to a river overflowing. A full damage assessment is ongoing, as authorities are still unable to access some areas. Currently, around 15,000 individuals are taking refuge in over 120 shelters across Haiti, according to Gregoire Goodstein, the interim UN co-ordinator for the country.
Cuba has also felt the brunt of Hurricane Melissa, with more than 3 million individuals exposed to life-threatening conditions. Thankfully, no fatalities have been reported in Cuba, where 735,000 people were successfully evacuated. However, nearly 240 communities have been isolated due to flooding and landslides, according to local authorities.
Hurricane Melissa made landfall on Tuesday as a Category 5 storm, boasting winds of up to 185 mph (295 km/h) before moving on to impact other Caribbean nations. In response, governments, humanitarian organizations, and individuals worldwide are pledging their support to the hardest-hit nations. The World Food Programme is collaborating with partners to coordinate logistics, cash, and emergency supplies across Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
The US State Department is deploying a disaster response team to assist with search and rescue operations, as well as providing vital resources such as food, water, medical supplies, hygiene kits, and temporary shelters. Meanwhile, the UK government announced an additional £5 million ($6 million) in humanitarian supplies, including shelter kits and solar-powered lanterns, to aid those without power and whose homes have been damaged. This funding adds to the previously announced £2.5 million ($3.36 million) for emergency humanitarian assistance in the Caribbean.
As Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti assess the extensive damage left in Hurricane Melissa's wake, Bermuda is preparing for the storm's impact. The Bermuda Weather Service anticipates Melissa will downgrade to a Category 2 hurricane as it approaches the British overseas territory. In response, government offices in Bermuda will close until Friday afternoon, and all schools will be shut on Friday. Residents are urged to avoid road travel until the official 'All Clear' is issued, allowing government crews to safely assess and clear debris.
