Hurricane Melissa Strikes Eastern Cuba After Devastating Jamaica as a Category 5
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in eastern Cuba early Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, following its destructive path across Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane. The powerful storm caused widespread damage throughout Jamaica, particularly as it slammed ashore near the town of New Hope, destroying homes and businesses.
Evan Thompson, Principal Director at the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, warned ahead of the storm, saying, “It will cause catastrophic damage, life-threatening damage. There is very little that can stop a Category Five hurricane.”
Powerful winds and fallen trees have marked a trail of destruction and life-threatening flooding across the island. Many roads are unpassable due to a storm surge that reached up to 13 feet. The parish of St. Elizabeth is reportedly underwater, and over half a million residents are without power.
Four main hospitals suffered damage, with one losing power entirely, forcing the evacuation of 75 patients. In response to the crisis, the Prime Minister of Jamaica declared the entire island a disaster area.
Personal Impact: A Dream Wedding Washed Away
Shantelle Nova, who had been preparing for her dream wedding in Jamaica, shared how the storm flooded her venue and ruined their plans. “Windows are broken, a lot of water is coming in, so we’re just basically pushing towels and stuff at the doors,” Nova said. “And the level of noise is ridiculous. Trees have really bent over and flew away, and some of our roof is completely off.”
Severe Flooding in Cuba as Melissa Approaches
In Cuba, severe flooding inundated streets in Santiago de Cuba as heavy rains and strong winds preceded Melissa’s landfall. Forecasts predicted up to 20 inches of rain in some areas, along with significant storm surge along the coast. Approximately 500,000 people were evacuated from vulnerable zones in anticipation of the storm’s impact.
Operation Blessing Mobilizes Disaster Relief Efforts
CBN’s Operation Blessing is preparing to assist victims of Hurricane Melissa by packing supplies and readying a team to provide aid. On CBN’s Faith Nation, Diego Traverso, Senior Director for Operation Blessing’s Global Disaster Response Team, explained the challenges ahead:
“We don’t know how catastrophic this is going to be, if the water is going to recede, if the airports are going to be open and when they’re going to be open. So, at this point, we are just getting ready as close as we can to the island and praying for favor so we can either ride on a private airplane or commercial flight.”
The Operation Blessing team has packed much-needed disaster relief supplies including water, food, solar lamps, hygiene kits, chlorinators, and water purification units to ensure clean drinking water is available. Traverso emphasized the critical need for clean water, stating, “Water is going to be critical; the different ways for them to get water are going to get polluted. Pray for the people of Jamaica. Pray for the team of Operation Blessing.”
Additionally, Operation Blessing is preparing cargo shipments containing pallets of food and hygiene items to support affected families.
What’s Next?
Hurricane Melissa is forecast to move into the Bahamas later Wednesday. Jamaican officials hope to reopen the island’s airports by Thursday. Meanwhile, President Trump has stated that the U.S. is prepared to send help as needed.
Stay tuned for updates on the storm’s progress and ongoing relief efforts.