**Hurricane Melissa Makes Landfall in Eastern Cuba After Devastating Jamaica**
Hurricane Melissa struck eastern Cuba early Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, following its relentless assault on Jamaica as a powerful Category 5 hurricane.
**Jamaica Faces Widespread Devastation**
Melissa slammed ashore near the town of New Hope in Jamaica, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Homes and businesses were destroyed, and widespread damage has been reported across the island.
Evan Thompson, Principal Director at the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, issued a dire warning ahead of the storm:
*”It will cause catastrophic damage, life-threatening damage. There is very little that can stop a Category Five hurricane.”*
Powerful winds and fallen trees marked the path of destruction, accompanied by life-threatening flooding throughout the island. Roads became impassable as storm surges up to 13 feet inundated coastal areas. The parish of St. Elizabeth reportedly remains underwater, and more than half a million residents are without power.
Four main hospitals suffered damage, with one facility losing power entirely. This forced the evacuation of 75 patients amid challenging conditions. In response, the Prime Minister of Jamaica declared the entire island a disaster area.
**Personal Stories: Dreams Washed Away**
Shantelle Nova was preparing for her dream wedding in Jamaica when the storm devastated the venue. She shared,
*”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.”*
**Cuba Braces for Severe Flooding**
Before making landfall, Melissa brought heavy rains and strong winds to Cuba, severely flooding streets in Santiago de Cuba. Up to 20 inches of rain were forecast in some areas, with significant storm surges expected along the coast.
Approximately 500,000 people were evacuated from vulnerable areas prone to flooding and high winds as the storm moved through the Caribbean.
**Operation Blessing Prepares to Assist**
CBN’s Operation Blessing is actively preparing to aid victims affected by the hurricane. Supplies are being packed, and a team is standing by to bring relief to those in need.
On CBN’s Faith Nation, Diego Traverso, Senior Director for Operation Blessing’s Global Disaster Response Team, commented on 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 relief team loaded essential disaster supplies, including water, food, solar lamps, hygiene kits, chlorinators, and water purification units to ensure access to clean drinking water.
*”Water is going to be critical; the different ways for them to get water is going to get polluted. Pray for the people of Jamaica. Pray for the team of Operation Blessing,”* Traverso urged.
Operation Blessing is also preparing pallets of food and hygiene items to assist affected families.
**Looking Ahead: Melissa Moves Toward the Bahamas**
As Melissa continues its path, the hurricane is forecasted to move into the Bahamas later Wednesday. Jamaican officials are hopeful to reopen the island’s airports by Thursday.
Meanwhile, the United States, under President Trump, has stated that it is prepared to send assistance to the affected regions.
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Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops, and please keep the affected communities in your thoughts and prayers.
https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2025/october/life-threatening-damage-hurricane-melissa-makes-landfall-in-cuba-after-battering-jamaica
