Devastation in the Caribbean: Hurricane Melissa's Deadly and Destructive Path

At least 25 people were killed in the Haitian town of Petit-Goave as severe flooding from Hurricane Melissa swept through the area, with dozens of houses collapsing and residents trapped under the rubble. In Jamaica, over 25,000 people were forced into shelters after the storm ripped roofs from homes, leaving many temporarily homeless. The hurricane also caused widespread destruction in Cuba, with officials reporting collapsed houses, blocked mountain roads, and roofs blown off in several regions.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 25 people died in the Haitian town of Petit-Goave due to severe flooding from Hurricane Melissa.
  • Dozens of houses collapsed in Petit-Goave, with residents trapped under the rubble on Wednesday morning.
  • Over 25,000 people were forced into shelters in Jamaica after the storm ripped roofs from homes.
  • 77% of Jamaica was without power on Wednesday.
  • In Cuba, officials reported collapsed houses, blocked mountain roads, and roofs blown off in several regions.
  • Approximately 735,000 people remained in shelters in eastern Cuba.
  • Hurricane Melissa was one of the strongest Atlantic storms on record, with top winds of 185 mph (295 kph).
  • Over 250,000 people were affected by the storm in Jamaica and Cuba combined.
  • The hurricane's impact was felt across the Caribbean, with Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti experiencing the most severe destruction.

Statistics:

  • At least 25 deaths in Haiti's Petit-Goave town due to Hurricane Melissa's flooding.
  • 25,000+ people forced into shelters in Jamaica.
  • 77% of Jamaica without power on Wednesday.
  • 735,000 people in shelters in eastern Cuba.
  • 185 mph (295 kph) top winds of Hurricane Melissa.
  • 1 in 3 people (approximately 250,000) affected across Jamaica and Cuba combined.
  • Category 5 status of Hurricane Melissa (one of the strongest Atlantic storms on record).

Sources:

  • "At least 25 people dead in Haiti after Hurricane Melissa sweeps through". The Associated Press.
  • "Hurricane Melissa rips roofs from homes, forcing thousands into shelters in Jamaica". The Associated Press.
  • "Hurricane Melissa: Storm makes landfall in Cuba after battering Jamaica". The Associated Press.
  • "Unstoppable force' batters Jamaica; Cuba on edge as storm nears". The Indian Express.