Massive evacuations are underway in the path of the destructive Hurricane Melissa, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The hurricane, previously a powerful Category 5 storm, has now weakened to a Category 2 as it moves across Cuba. The US National Hurricane Center has reported that hundreds of thousands of individuals in Cuba have been relocated to shelters as a precautionary measure. Several provinces in Cuba and the Bahamas are currently under hurricane warnings due to the approaching storm.
In Haiti, devastating consequences have already been felt, with 25 fatalities reported in Petit-Goâve following severe flooding from the overflowing La Digue river. The mayor described the situation as overwhelming, with collapsed homes and individuals trapped under debris.
As of the latest update from the National Hurricane Center in Miami, Hurricane Melissa sustains winds of 105mph and is heading north-northeast towards Guantánamo, Cuba and the central Bahamas. The Bahamas is urged to expedite storm preparations as Melissa progresses, with Bermuda also bracing for the impending severe weather conditions.
The National Hurricane Center has issued alerts for countries at risk of the storm’s impact, emphasizing the potential for life-threatening storm surges and heavy rainfall. The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos are likely to experience hurricane conditions, while Haiti and the Dominican Republic face the threat of flash floods and landslides. Bermuda is expected to face hurricanes and heavy rainfall in the coming days.
Hurricane Melissa initially struck Jamaica as a catastrophic Category 5 storm before reaching Cuba, leaving significant devastation in its wake. The UK government has pledged £2.5 million in humanitarian aid to Jamaica for emergency relief efforts, including shelter provisions and essential supplies. British nationals stranded in the affected areas are receiving assistance from Royal Navy ship HMS Trent and support teams deployed to the region.
Approximately 8,000 UK citizens are believed to be in Jamaica, with all airports currently closed due to the storm. The Foreign Office has raised concerns about the unprecedented strength of Hurricane Melissa and the extensive damage it is expected to cause to infrastructure and communities. Power outages have left a large portion of Jamaica without electricity, exacerbating the challenges faced by residents in the aftermath of the hurricane.
