Video footage reveals extensive damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, showcasing collapsed roofs and walls, fallen trees, and blocked roads.
Following Hurricane Melissa’s impact, the journey towards Black River, located two hours south of Kingston, Jamaica, was hindered by debris, causing a blockade that isolated the town. Scenes depicted a line of vehicles stranded on a road obstructed by fallen trees, alongside images of destroyed homes in ruins.
Hurricane Melissa’s devastating effects have led to numerous fatalities and significant destruction across Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica. In Jamaica’s St. Elizabeth parish, a landslide blocked the main roads of Santa Cruz, turning the streets into mud pits.
In the aftermath of the hurricane, residents in the affected areas were seen trying to salvage their belongings, with reports of a high school shelter losing part of its roof due to the strong winds. Local resident Jennifer Small expressed astonishment at the unprecedented level of destruction.
Assessing the full extent of the damage caused by the Category 5 hurricane remains challenging due to widespread power outages and hazardous conditions that persist. Jamaica’s education minister, Dana Morris Dixon, mentioned that it is too early to provide a definitive assessment.
After making landfall in Jamaica with top winds of 185mph, Hurricane Melissa weakened as it moved towards Cuba, impacting countries beyond its direct path with severe consequences.
Reports from Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency indicated at least 23 deaths and 13 missing individuals, with significant damage in the town of Petit-Goâve due to flooding that resulted in the collapse of numerous homes.
In Cuba, officials reported collapsed houses, blocked mountain roads, and roof damage, particularly in the southwest and northwest regions. A substantial number of people sought shelter, with one resident describing the experience as nightmarish.
In Jamaica, over 25,000 individuals sought refuge in shelters following the destruction of their homes by Hurricane Melissa, leading to widespread power outages across the island. The lack of communication further complicated damage assessment efforts.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness assured that the government is actively engaged in recovery efforts, preparing relief supplies and striving to restore normalcy swiftly. Meanwhile, officials in Black River expressed urgent need for assistance as they faced catastrophic conditions.
Mayor Richard Solomon of Black River highlighted the severe impact on local infrastructure, including the destruction of essential facilities such as hospitals and emergency services. The town’s relief supply storage facility was also destroyed during the storm.
In a distressing scene in southwest Jamaica, an elderly resident, David Muschette, pleaded for help amidst the remnants of his damaged house. The government’s priority is to reopen airports to facilitate the swift distribution of emergency aid.
Authorities in Jamaica confirmed multiple fatalities in the southwest region, including one tragic incident where a tree fell on