Catastrophic Storm Makes Landfall in Cuba
Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes in recorded history, made landfall in eastern Cuba early Wednesday morning after leaving a trail of destruction across Jamaica. The Category 3 storm struck near Chivirico in Santiago de Cuba province at approximately 8:30 AM local time, bringing sustained winds of 195 km/h (120 mph) and life-threatening storm surges.
Mass Evacuations in Cuba
Cuban authorities evacuated over 281,000 people to 101 emergency shelters across eastern provinces as the storm approached. 'We have moved residents to shelters in Santiago de Cuba, which lies directly in the hurricane's predicted path,' said a Cuban emergency official. The storm's approach prompted the closure of schools and public offices throughout the affected regions.
Jamaica's Devastation
Before reaching Cuba, Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane with winds reaching 295 km/h (185 mph) - the strongest storm to hit the island since record-keeping began 174 years ago. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the island a disaster area, stating 'There is no infrastructure in the region that can withstand a category five.' The storm caused widespread destruction including torn-off roofs, landslides, fallen trees, and severe flooding that trapped families in Black River.
According to The National, over 15,000 people sought shelter in Jamaica, with 77% of the population (approximately 540,000 people) experiencing power outages. The hurricane has been blamed for at least 15 deaths across the Caribbean, including three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic.
Storm Impacts and Climate Connection
Meteorologists warn that climate change is making the strongest hurricanes more intense. 'Hurricanes get their energy from sea water, so the warmer the water becomes due to climate change, the more power a hurricane gets,' explained a climate scientist from the National Hurricane Center. 'We're also seeing more rainfall on average, and heavy rainfall causes the most damage in practice.'
The storm brought dangerous storm surges of 2.4-3.7 meters (8-12 feet) above normal tide levels, accompanied by large destructive waves. Forecasters predicted torrential rainfall of 20-30 inches in southeastern Cuba that would trigger flash flooding and mudslides.
Regional Response and Recovery
Emergency crews across the Caribbean remain on high alert as Melissa continues its path. The storm is expected to maintain hurricane strength as it moves across Cuba and the Bahamas toward Bermuda. Jamaican officials warned of a slow recovery process, with extensive damage reported to hospitals, schools, residential and commercial properties.
As Watchers News reported, the storm is forecast to gradually weaken after crossing Cuba due to terrain interaction and increasing wind shear, but will continue to pose significant threats to the Bahamas and potentially Bermuda in the coming days.