Devastation in the Caribbean: Hurricane Melissa Wreaks Havoc

Strategic Insights -

Hurricane Melissa's catastrophic destruction has left a trail of death and destruction across the northern Caribbean. The storm made landfall in Jamaica and Haiti, causing widespread damage and leaving thousands without power or shelter. Residents in hardest-hit areas are struggling to come to terms with the scale of the disaster, with many left without homes or basic necessities.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least four bodies have been found in southwest Jamaica, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness reporting that up to 90% of roofs in the southwest coastal community of Black River were destroyed.
  • Over 25,000 people remain crowded into shelters across the western half of Jamaica, with 77% of the island without power.
  • In Haiti, at least 25 people were reported killed and 18 others missing, mostly in the country's southern region.
  • Hurricane Melissa damaged more than 160 homes and destroyed 80 others in Haiti, with officials warning that 152 disabled people in the southern region require emergency food assistance.
  • In Cuba, over 735,000 people were evacuated due to the storm, with no reported fatalities.
  • The small town of El Cobre in the eastern province of Santiago de Cuba was particularly hard hit, with residents returning to find zinc roofs torn off and houses collapsed.
  • The hurricane's winds reached a category 5 strength of 185 mph (295 kph) when it made landfall in Jamaica, tying records for making landfall with such strength.
  • Over 11,600 people remain sheltered in Haiti due to the storm.

Statistics:

  • At least 4 bodies have been found in southwest Jamaica
  • 25,000 people remain crowded into shelters across the western half of Jamaica
  • 77% of Jamaica is without power
  • 160+ homes were damaged, and 80+ were destroyed in Haiti
  • 152+ disabled people in Haiti require emergency food assistance
  • 735,000+ people were evacuated in Cuba
  • 11,600+ people remain sheltered in Haiti
  • Hurricane Melissa's winds reached a category 5 strength of 185 mph (295 kph)
  • 185 mph (295 kph) Category 5 hurricane strength when it made landfall in Jamaica

Sources:

  • (AP) — People across the northern Caribbean were digging out from on Thursday as deaths from the catastrophic storm climbed.
  • (AP) — Emerenergy relief flights began landing at Jamaica's main international airport, which reopened late Wednesday, as crews distributed water, food, and other basic supplies.
  • (AP) — Steven Guadard, who lives in Petit-Goâve, said Melissa killed his entire family.
  • (AP) — Haiti's Civil Protection Agency said Hurricane Melissa killed at least 20 people in Petit-Goâve, including 10 children.
  • (AP) — Officials warned that 152 disabled people in Haiti's southern region required emergency food assistance.
  • (AP) — More than 11,600 people remained sheltered in Haiti because of the storm.
  • (AP) — Meanwhile, in Cuba, people began to clear blocked roads and highways with heavy equipment and even enlisted the help of the military, which rescued people trapped in isolated communities and at risk from landslides.