Overview of Hurricane Melissa’s Impact
Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, has left 49 fatalities in its wake as it traversed the northern Caribbean and headed towards Bermuda in the North Atlantic. The storm intensified as it moved past Bermuda, causing widespread destruction across much of the northern Caribbean.
Haiti’s Toll
Although Haiti was not directly hit, it endured days of torrential rains from the slow-moving storm. Authorities reported at least 30 deaths and 20 people missing, with the situation still evolving.
- Petit-Goâve Casualties: At least 23 people, including 10 children, perished in the southern Haitian city of Petit-Goâve when a river overflowed.
- Infrastructure Damage: Heavy rains damaged roads, homes, and farmlands.
Jamaica’s Experience
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in southwestern Jamaica on Tuesday as a powerful Category 5 storm, the strongest Caribbean hurricane to directly hit its coast since 1988. The storm’s winds far exceeded the minimum threshold for the most potent hurricane classification.
- Fatalities in Jamaica: At least 19 deaths were confirmed, with search and rescue efforts ongoing.
- Economic Impact: AccuWeather estimated between $48,000 and $52 billion in damages and economic losses across the western Caribbean.
- Power Outages and Destruction: The storm left hundreds of thousands without electricity, ripped roofs off buildings, and scattered debris across the region.
Cuba’s Situation
Melissa also struck eastern Cuba, prompting the evacuation of approximately 735,000 people. Despite significant damage to homes and crops, no fatalities had been reported by Thursday.
Hurricane Melissa’s Current Status
As of 11:00 PM local time, Hurricane Melissa had downgraded to a Category 2 storm, located 264 kilometers west of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda in the North Atlantic, according to the National Hurricane Center. Maximum sustained winds reached 161 kilometers per hour.
Bermuda’s Preparations
Bermudan residents remained calm as the storm approached, with authorities planning to close the island’s highway on Thursday night and shutter schools and ferries on Friday “out of an abundance of caution.”
The Bahamas’ Situation
After passing through The Bahamas on Wednesday night, authorities lifted storm warnings but did not declare “all clear.” Officials anticipated making a decision by Saturday regarding the safety of returning the hundreds who evacuated affected islands to their homes.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Hurricane Melissa? Hurricane Melissa was a powerful Category 5 storm that struck the northern Caribbean, causing widespread destruction and leaving 49 fatalities in its wake.
- Which countries were affected? Hurricane Melissa impacted Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba, and Bermuda.
- What is the current status of Hurricane Melissa? As of late Thursday, Hurricane Melissa had downgraded to a Category 2 storm and was located near Bermuda in the North Atlantic.
- What precautions are being taken in affected areas? Authorities in Bermuda and The Bahamas have implemented safety measures, including closing highways, schools, and ferries.
