UPDATE: Hurricane Melissa has wreaked havoc across Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica, leaving at least 25 people dead and thousands displaced. The storm made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane with winds reaching an astonishing 185 mph. As of now, authorities are scrambling to assess the extensive damage.
In Cuba, officials report numerous collapsed houses and blocked roads, with over 735,000 people seeking refuge in shelters. The situation remains critical as power outages and communication blackouts are rampant in Jamaica. President Miguel Díaz-Canel has warned the public not to underestimate the storm’s destructive power.
The U.S. has mobilized rescue teams to aid the hard-hit areas. The National Hurricane Center warns that Melissa is expected to bring dangerous winds, flooding, and storm surges to the Bahamas by Wednesday night, intensifying the urgency of the situation.
Officials are urging residents in affected areas to remain vigilant as recovery efforts begin. The full extent of the destruction will likely take days to assess, but the emotional toll on communities is already palpable.
As the storm’s aftermath unfolds, stay tuned for live updates on recovery efforts and further developments.
