Daijiworld Media Network - Jamaica
Jamaica, Oct 31: Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the Atlantic, has unleashed widespread destruction across the northern Caribbean, leaving at least 19 people dead in Jamaica and causing catastrophic flooding in Haiti. Cuba, meanwhile, has begun the slow process of recovery as the storm moves toward Bermuda.
The Category 5 hurricane, which made landfall in Jamaica earlier this week with wind speeds reaching 185 mph (295 kph), tied the record for the strongest Atlantic hurricane to make landfall.
Jamaican authorities confirmed that at least 19 people have died, including a child, and warned that the toll could rise further. “The confirmed death toll from Hurricane Melissa is now at 19, including nine in Westmoreland,” said Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon, as the government launched extensive rescue and relief efforts.
Emergency relief operations were in full swing, with planes delivering medical aid, food, and water to affected areas. Helicopters were seen air-dropping supplies to isolated communities where homes were flattened and bridges washed away. Nearly 13,000 residents remain in emergency shelters, 72% of the island is without power, and mobile connectivity has dropped to just 35%.
“The entire Jamaica is really broken because of what has happened,” said Minister Dixon, describing the emotional and physical toll on citizens.
At petrol stations and supermarkets, long queues formed as desperate residents waited for essentials. “We understand the frustration and anxiety, but we ask for patience,” urged Daryl Vaz, Minister for Telecommunications and Energy.
Water Minister Matthew Samuda confirmed that tankers were being dispatched to rural communities cut off from the main supply grid.
Meanwhile, in Haiti, officials reported at least 30 deaths and 20 missing as torrential rain triggered deadly floods, particularly in the southern regions. Around 15,000 people were forced into shelters after rivers burst their banks, sweeping away homes and livestock.
“It is a sad moment for the country,” said Laurent Saint-Cyr, President of Haiti’s Transitional Council, adding that search and relief teams were working around the clock to locate missing persons and provide aid.
In Petit-Goâve, one of the hardest-hit areas, Haiti’s Civil Protection Agency confirmed that 20 people — including 10 children — lost their lives. Local resident Steven Guadard shared his grief after losing his entire family of four children. “There is no place to rest; we are hungry. The authorities don’t think about us,” said another survivor, Michelet Dégange, who was left homeless.
After battering Jamaica and Haiti, Melissa brushed past the southeast Bahamas, prompting the evacuation of over 1,400 residents.
As of Thursday night, Melissa had weakened to a Category 2 storm with sustained winds near 105 mph (165 kph), moving northeast at 32 mph (51 kph). The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that the storm was located about 260 miles (420 km) west-southwest of Bermuda, which braced for impact with the closure of its international airport and schools.
The hurricane is expected to pass close to Bermuda before beginning to weaken on Friday.