Hurricane Melissa Strikes Eastern Cuba After Devastating Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in eastern Cuba early Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, following its powerful assault on Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane. The storm pummeled Jamaica, causing widespread destruction 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, stating, “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 left a trail of destruction across the island, accompanied by life-threatening flooding. Many roads are unpassable as storm surges of up to 13 feet pour in. The parish of St. Elizabeth is reportedly underwater, and over half a million residents are currently without power.
Four main hospitals suffered damage during the storm, with one facility losing power completely, which forced the evacuation of 75 patients. In response to the widespread devastation, the Prime Minister of Jamaica declared the entire island a disaster area.
Personal Stories of Impact
Shantelle Nova was preparing for her dream wedding in Jamaica when the storm hit. Unfortunately, the venue was flooded, ruining their plans. Nova described the situation: “Windows are broken, a lot of water is coming in, so we’re just basically pushing towels and stuff at the doors. And the level of noise is ridiculous. Trees have really bent over and flew away, and some of our roof is completely off.”
Flooding and Evacuations in Cuba
In Cuba, severe flooding inundated the streets of Santiago de Cuba as heavy rains and strong winds preceded the storm’s landfall. Areas were forecast to receive up to 20 inches of rain, along with significant storm surge along the coast.
Authorities evacuated roughly 500,000 people from vulnerable areas to protect them from the dangerous winds and flooding as Melissa moved across the Caribbean.
Operation Blessing Prepares Aid Efforts
CBN’s Operation Blessing is actively preparing to support those affected by Hurricane Melissa. Supplies are being packed, and a response team is standing by 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 an airplane, private one or commercial.”
The Operation Blessing team has packed critical disaster relief supplies, including water, food, solar lamps, hygiene kits, chlorinators, and water purification units to ensure clean drinking water for the victims.
“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,” Traverso said.
Additionally, Operation Blessing is preparing cargo shipments with pallets of food and hygiene items for affected families.
Looking Ahead
Hurricane Melissa is forecasted to move into the Bahamas later Wednesday. Jamaican officials are hopeful to reopen the island’s airports by Thursday. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that the United States is prepared to send help as needed.
