Hurricane Melissa has intensified into a major Category 3 storm, unleashing devastating 120mph winds across the Caribbean, with Cuba bearing the brunt of its fury. According to meteorological reports and official advisories, the cyclone made landfall near Havana on October 29, 2025, triggering widespread evacuations and emergency measures in Jamaica, where Prime Minister Andrew Holness has proclaimed the nation a 'disaster area.' As the storm surges toward Haiti, the Bahamas, and Bermuda, global aid networks mobilize to mitigate a humanitarian crisis in the storm's path.
 |
| Hurricane Melissa hits Cuba with 120mph winds |
Sources from the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) confirm Melissa's eye skirted Cuba's western coast, packing sustained winds of 120mph and gusts exceeding 140mph. Havana reported severe flooding, with storm surges up to 12 feet inundating low-lying districts and toppling power lines, leaving over 500,000 without electricity. Cuban authorities, in coordination with international partners, evacuated 1.2 million residents, though reports indicate at least 15 fatalities and dozens missing amid collapsed infrastructure. "This is a test of our resilience," stated Cuban President Miguel DÃaz-Canel, urging calm as rescue teams deploy.
In Jamaica, Prime Minister Holness activated the national disaster declaration as Melissa approached with torrential rains—up to 20 inches—causing flash floods in Kingston and Montego Bay. The Jamaican Defence Force mobilized 2,000 troops for relief, while airports shuttered and schools closed indefinitely. Holness addressed the nation: "We face a formidable adversary, but Jamaicans are unbreakable." Early assessments reveal crop devastation in rural parishes, with economic losses projected at $1.5 billion, exacerbating vulnerabilities in the tourism-dependent economy.
As Melissa churns eastward, Haiti—still recovering from prior quakes and storms—frets over 10-15 inches of rain potentially displacing 100,000 in tent cities. The Bahamas, scarred by Hurricane Dorian in 2019, issued mandatory evacuations for Abaco and Grand Bahama, with Prime Minister Philip Davis warning of "catastrophic" surges. Bermuda hoists hurricane warnings, preparing for direct hits by week's end. NHC forecasters predict slight weakening over land but sustained threats through Thursday.
The international community rallies: The U.S. pledges $50 million in immediate aid via USAID, deploying C-130 aircraft for supplies to Cuba and Jamaica. The UN's OCHA coordinates with Red Cross chapters, targeting vulnerable populations. European nations, including the UK and France, offer logistical support, while climate experts link Melissa's ferocity to warming oceans. "These storms demand urgent global action on emissions," noted UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a solidarity message.
These updates, compiled from verified meteorological data and official government statements, highlight the storm's evolving threat. Travelers and residents should monitor NHC advisories for real-time safety guidance.
0 Comments