Massive evacuations are ongoing in the face of the destructive impact of Hurricane Melissa on several countries. The hurricane, previously a powerful Atlantic storm, has now weakened to a Category 2 as it moves across Cuba. The US National Hurricane Centre reported that hundreds of thousands of individuals in Cuba have been relocated to shelters for safety. Areas under a hurricane warning include Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Holguin, Las Tunas provinces, and parts of the southeastern and central Bahamas.
In Haiti, tragic events unfolded as 25 people lost their lives due to flooding caused by the overflowing La Digue river in Petit-Goâve. Homes were destroyed, leaving many trapped under debris, leading the local mayor to express deep concern over the overwhelming situation.
With sustained winds of 105mph, Hurricane Melissa’s trajectory is towards the north-northeast at 14mph, centered near Guantánamo, Cuba, and the central Bahamas. The National Hurricane Centre in Miami urges swift completion of storm preparations in the Bahamas, warning of the approaching dangerous weather conditions.
Turks and Caicos face a potential life-threatening storm surge, while the Bahamas and Dominican Republic brace for severe impacts like flash floods and landslides. Bermuda is also in the storm’s path, with heavy rain and hurricanes expected to begin on Thursday.
After causing devastation in Jamaica and Cuba, Hurricane Melissa has prompted the UK government to offer £2.5 million in humanitarian aid to Jamaica. Emergency supplies such as shelter kits, water filters, and blankets will be provided to assist those affected. British nationals are receiving support from the Royal Navy ship HMS Trent in the Caribbean, with additional aid teams dispatched to Miami.
Approximately 8,000 UK citizens are in Jamaica, facing the aftermath of Melissa, which is anticipated to leave significant destruction in its wake. The hurricane’s impact has left a large portion of Jamaica without electricity, with infrastructure severely impaired. All airports in Jamaica are currently closed, further complicating the situation for residents and tourists alike.