SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Cuba (AP) — The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes recorded, left significant destruction across the northern Caribbean. Communities in Jamaica and Cuba faced extensive damage, with emergency crews working tirelessly to clear roads and provide much-needed relief.
In Jamaica, government workers and residents initiated efforts to clear roads, particularly in the southeastern regions that were directly hit by the hurricane. Sylvester Guthrie, a resident of Lacovia in St. Elizabeth, expressed the devastation, stating, “I don’t have a house now,” as he clutched his bicycle—his only remaining possession. The Jamaican government confirmed that at least 19 people had died, including a child, and the death toll was anticipated to increase as rescue crews continued their efforts. Over 13,000 individuals sought shelter in various locations, with 72% of the island experiencing power outages and only 35% of mobile phone sites operational.
Emergency supplies, including water and food, were distributed via relief flights and helicopters, as education minister Dana Morris Dixon described the situation: “The entire Jamaica is really broken because of what has happened.” Long lines formed at the few functioning gas stations and supermarkets, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Water trucks were mobilized to assist rural communities disconnected from the government utility system, highlighting the ongoing struggle for basic resources.
In Cuba, the military was deployed to assist in rescue efforts for individuals trapped in isolated areas at risk of landslides. Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities in Cuba, attributed to preemptive evacuations that relocated more than 735,000 residents from eastern regions before the storm. However, extensive damage occurred, particularly in El Cobre, a town of 7,000 that houses the Basilica of Our Lady of Charity. Odalys Ojeda, a retiree from the area, described the ordeal: “So much wind, so much wind. Zinc roofs were torn off. Some houses completely collapsed. It was a disaster.”
Despite the destruction, no official damage estimates were provided during a televised Civil Defense meeting led by President Miguel Díaz-Canel. Officials from affected provinces reported extensive losses, including roofs, power lines, and telecommunications infrastructure. Many regions remained without electricity or internet, contributing to the ongoing crisis.
In an unprecedented move, the U.S. State Department expressed readiness to assist the Cuban people, stating that the United States is prepared to provide immediate humanitarian assistance. However, no specific details were provided regarding how efforts would be coordinated with the Cuban government, which shares a complicated relationship with the U.S. due to long-standing economic sanctions.
The hurricane's impact severely affected Haiti as well, where at least 30 people were confirmed dead, and 20 others went missing. Approximately 15,000 Haitians sought shelter, with many communities devastated. Laurent Saint-Cyr, president of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, described the situation as “a sad moment for the country.” Residents, like Steven Guadard, faced unimaginable losses, stating that Hurricane Melissa caused the death of his entire family. The extent of the destruction in Petit-Goâve was striking, with over 160 homes damaged and 80 destroyed, raising concerns for an already vulnerable population.
As of Thursday night, Hurricane Melissa had weakened to a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 105 mph (165 kph) and was moving northeast over the Atlantic Ocean. The National Hurricane Center in Miami reported that the hurricane brushed past the southeast Bahamas and was forecasted to pass near Bermuda, leading to the closure of its international airport and schools. The storm's trajectory and power generated widespread concern, reinforcing the need for continued preparedness and support in impacted regions.
