Residents across the northern Caribbean are grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which wreaked havoc throughout the region on Thursday. As the storm moved over the Bahamas, the death toll continued to rise, leaving communities in shock and disarray.
In southeast Jamaica, the sounds of large machinery, chainsaws, and machetes filled the air as government workers and local residents worked tirelessly to clear the roads. Their efforts aimed to reach isolated communities that faced a direct hit from one of the most powerful Atlantic storms on record. Stunned residents wandered through the wreckage of their neighborhoods, some gazing at their roofless homes and waterlogged belongings scattered around them.
Emergency relief flights began landing at Jamaica's main international airport, which reopened late Wednesday. Crews have been distributing essential supplies such as water and food to those affected. Jamaican Transportation Minister Daryl Vaz described the devastation as enormous, while local residents expressed their despair. “I am now homeless, but I have to be hopeful because I have life,” said Sheryl Smith, a resident who lost her roof.
Authorities reported finding at least four bodies in southwestern Jamaica, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness indicating that up to 90% of roofs in the coastal community of Black River had been destroyed. “Black River is what you would describe as ground zero,” he stated, emphasizing the extent of the destruction. Over 25,000 people are currently sheltered in various locations across western Jamaica, with 77% of the island left without power.
Hurricane Melissa also severely affected Haiti, unleashing catastrophic flooding that led to the reported deaths of at least 23 individuals, with several others missing, particularly in the southern region. Haiti's Civil Protection Agency confirmed that Hurricane Melissa claimed the lives of at least 20 people in Petit-Goâve, including 10 children. The storm also damaged over 160 homes and completely destroyed 80 others.
Officials have raised alarms regarding 152 disabled individuals in Haiti's southern region who require immediate food assistance. More than 11,600 people are currently sheltering in Haiti due to the storm’s impact.
In Cuba, the recovery phase is underway as citizens began clearing blocked roads and highways. The military has been called in to assist in rescuing people trapped in isolated communities at risk of landslides. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported after the Civil Defense evacuated more than 735,000 people across eastern Cuba, and residents are slowly returning home.
“We are cleaning the streets, clearing the way,” said Yaima Almenares, a physical education teacher from Santiago, as she joined her neighbors in sweeping debris from sidewalks and removing fallen tree trunks. In rural areas surrounding Santiago de Cuba, residents returned to find water accumulated in their homes, leading them to salvage beds, mattresses, and other belongings that they had elevated before the storm.
Although a televised Civil Defense meeting chaired by President Miguel Díaz-Canel did not provide a specific damage estimate, officials from affected provinces reported significant losses, including roofs, power lines, fiber optic cables, and agricultural plantations such as banana, cassava, and coffee. The rain, although destructive, has been beneficial for reservoirs and alleviating a severe drought in eastern Cuba. However, many communities remain without electricity, internet, and telephone service.
As Hurricane Melissa continues its journey, a hurricane warning remains in effect for Bermuda. The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported that heavy rains and gusty winds began impacting the central and southeastern Bahamas early Thursday. Currently classified as a Category 2 storm, Melissa boasts top sustained winds near 105 mph and is moving north-northeast at 21 mph. The storm is expected to pass northwest of Bermuda later today and into tonight.
Forecasters indicate that slight strengthening is possible before a likely weakening begins on Friday. Tropical storm conditions are anticipated to begin affecting Bermuda later today, with hurricane conditions expected to arrive tonight.
