Hurricane Melissa Strikes Eastern Cuba After Devastating Jamaica as Category 5 Storm

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 slammed ashore near the town of New Hope, leaving widespread damage in its wake.

In Jamaica, homes and businesses were destroyed, with officials reporting catastrophic damage. Evan Thompson, Principal Director at the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, issued a grim 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 have marked the trail of destruction across the island, accompanied by life-threatening flooding. Roads have become impassable as storm surges as high as 13 feet poured in. The parish of St. Elizabeth is reportedly underwater, and over half a million residents are currently without power. Four main hospitals suffered damage, with one losing power entirely, necessitating the evacuation of 75 patients.

In response to the widespread devastation, the Prime Minister of Jamaica has declared the entire island a disaster area.

Personal Stories: Dreams Washed Away by Melissa

Shantelle Nova was preparing for her dream wedding in Jamaica when Hurricane Melissa struck, flooding the venue and forcing the cancellation of her 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

In Cuba, severe flooding inundated streets in Santiago de Cuba as the storm brought heavy rains and strong winds prior to making landfall. Forecasters predicted up to 20 inches of rain in some areas, along with significant storm surges along the coast.

Authorities evacuated approximately 500,000 people from areas vulnerable to high winds and flooding as Melissa moved across the Caribbean.

Operation Blessing Mobilizes Disaster Relief Efforts

CBN’s Operation Blessing is actively preparing to assist victims of Hurricane Melissa. The team is packing essential supplies and getting ready to deploy aid to those affected by the storm.

On CBN’s Faith Nation, Diego Traverso, Senior Director for Operation Blessing’s Global Disaster Response Team, shared the challenges they face: “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 supplies include water, food, solar lamps, hygiene kits, as well as chlorinators and water purification units to provide clean drinking water. Traverso emphasized the critical need for clean 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.”

Operation Blessing is also preparing cargo shipments, which include pallets of food and hygienic items to support displaced families.

Next Steps and Ongoing Response

Hurricane Melissa is forecast to move into the Bahamas later Wednesday. Jamaican officials are hopeful that the island’s airports will reopen by Thursday, facilitating relief efforts and travel. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that the United States is prepared to send assistance as needed.

As recovery efforts continue, communities remain vigilant, praying for safety and relief in the storm’s aftermath.

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