Large-scale evacuations are still ongoing in nations in the path of the extremely destructive Hurricane Melissa as it continues to cause fatalities and extensive damage.
The hurricane has been moving across Cuba, weakening to a Category 2 storm today after causing severe destruction in Jamaica as one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes on record, as reported by the US National Hurricane Center. Hundreds of thousands of individuals in Cuba have been relocated to shelters. A hurricane warning has been issued for several provinces in Cuba and the southeastern and central Bahamas.
Reports from Jean Bertrand Subrème, the mayor of Petit-Goâve in Haiti, indicate that 25 people lost their lives due to flooding caused by the overflowing La Digue river. Numerous homes collapsed, with individuals trapped under debris, leading to a dire situation in the area.
Hurricane Melissa, with sustained winds of 105mph, is currently heading north-northeast at a speed of 14mph, according to the National Hurricane Center in Miami. The hurricane is situated northwest of Guantánamo, Cuba, and south of the central Bahamas.
The National Hurricane Center has cautioned that the Bahamas need to expedite storm preparations as Melissa is moving towards them, posing a threat of strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Warnings have also been issued for countries on the periphery of the storm, such as Turks and Caicos, stating the potential for life-threatening storm surges.
The forecast for the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos includes expectations of hurricane conditions, storm surges, and heavy rain. In Haiti and the Dominican Republic, flash floods and landslides are anticipated, with significant damage likely in Haiti. Bermuda is also expected to face hurricanes and heavy rainfall starting Thursday.
Hurricane Melissa first made landfall in Jamaica as a catastrophic Category 5 storm with winds reaching 185 mph before advancing to Cuba. In eastern Cuba, where the storm hit as a Category 3, around 735,000 individuals are reported to be staying in shelters.
The UK is providing £2.5 million in humanitarian aid to Jamaica for emergency relief efforts post-Hurricane Melissa, including supplies like shelter kits, water filters, and blankets. The Royal Navy ship HMS Trent is in the Caribbean to assist, and a specialist team from the Foreign Office is in Miami to aid stranded British citizens.
An estimated 8,000 UK nationals are believed to be in Jamaica for various reasons, with all airports currently closed. The UK government expressed concerns over the severity of Hurricane Melissa’s impact on Jamaica, anticipating severe damage to towns and infrastructure, with a significant portion of the island currently without power.