Hurricane Melissa Hits Cuba After Devastating Jamaica
In the early hours of Wednesday, Hurricane Melissa made its second landfall in eastern Cuba, striking as a Category 3 hurricane. The storm brought with it sustained winds reaching up to 190 mph and heavy rainfall, coming on the heels of severe destruction it caused in Jamaica, where it registered as the third strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic Basin.
In Jamaica, Melissa made a historic landfall near New Hope as a Category 5 hurricane, recording winds up to 185 mph. The National Hurricane Center indicated that the storm tied the record for the most powerful landing in the Atlantic Ocean.
Reports indicated that West Jamaica faced the worst of the damage. A social media user, who identified himself as @rj_smith_3, shared firsthand accounts of the destruction he witnessed while vacationing in Montego Bay. “The damage here is devastating,” he said, emphasizing how frightening the experience was.
AccuWeather shared a video detailing the destruction across Jamaica, estimating that Hurricane Melissa inflicted about $22 billion in damages throughout the Caribbean, with recovery efforts expected to take months. The same outlet reported significant damage to Montego Bay International Airport.
CVM Television Editor-in-Chief Giovanni R. Dennis showcased the aftermath in St. Elizabeth, highlighting how every tree seemed stripped of its leaves. He remarked on the sheer force of the hurricane, likening its characteristics to those of the most intense tornadoes.
In more coverage, the Jamaica Observer launched an internal investigation into the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa. The hurricane’s powerful winds wreaked havoc, leading to flash floods, landslides, and widespread destruction—homes were damaged, trees uprooted, and power outages occurred throughout the region.
AFP shared videos showing the devastation, featuring scenes of flooding and uprooted trees. They noted Melissa’s intensity, mentioning that it hit Jamaica with winds reaching 295 km/h, marking it as the worst hurricane the island has faced since records began.
Additional reports from the Jamaica Gleaner showed the damage, including a downed utility pole in Mandeville. The aftermath scattered across social media includes various images and stories depicting the chaos and impact of Hurricane Melissa.
Some notable destruction included the historic St. John Parish Episcopal Church and the popular Jake’s Hotel, both severely affected by the hurricane. In neighborhoods like Burnt Ground, entire roads transformed into rivers, sparking concerns about potential impacts on Jamaica’s agricultural sector.
As the situation continues to unfold, updates on Hurricane Melissa’s impact will be closely monitored.
