Caribbean Nations Begin Recovery Following Devastating Hurricane Melissa
Black River,Jamaica – Residents across Haiti,Jamaica,and Cuba are assessing widespread damage and beginning the arduous task of recovery in the wake of Hurricane Melissa,which slammed into Jamaica as a Category 5 storm earlier this week. The hurricane, which tied records for Atlantic hurricane strength at landfall with sustained winds of 185 mph (295 kph) and matching barometric pressure, has left communities reeling from flooding, infrastructure collapse, and displacement.
The immediate aftermath focuses on providing aid to those most affected, particularly in Jamaica where the storm’s initial impact was most severe. The scale of destruction underscores the increasing vulnerability of Caribbean nations to intensifying hurricanes, a trend linked to climate change. While Melissa has weakened as it moves northeast, its passage serves as a stark reminder of the region’s susceptibility to extreme weather events and the critical need for robust disaster preparedness and international support.
In Jamaica, the devastation is particularly acute. Residents like those in Black River are struggling to connect with the outside world,with one man telling reporters,”Ther is no place to rest the body; we are hungry. The authorities don’t think about us. I haven’t closed my eyes since the bad weather began.” Images show homes flooded and severely damaged, highlighting the extent of the crisis.
Melissa’s impact wasn’t limited to Jamaica. The storm prompted evacuations of 1,400 peopel in the southeast Bahamas as it brushed past the islands on Wednesday. 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) and located approximately 260 miles (420 kilometers) west-southwest of Bermuda.
Authorities in bermuda are preparing for potential impacts, with the international airport scheduled to close Thursday evening and reopen Friday at noon. all schools on the British territory have been ordered closed. forecasts indicate melissa may strengthen again before weakening on Friday, as it passes near or west of Bermuda.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami continues to monitor Melissa’s trajectory and intensity, providing updates as the storm progresses. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents in potentially affected areas and coordinating relief efforts for those already impacted by this powerful hurricane.
