Hurricane Melissa wreaked havoc in Cuba, Jamaica, and Haiti, causing numerous fatalities and widespread devastation on Wednesday. The storm led to power outages, displacements, and significant damage in affected areas.

In Jamaica’s St. Elizabeth parish, Santa Cruz faced road blockages due to a landslide, turning streets into muddy quagmires. Residents grappled with flooded homes and damaged infrastructure, including a high school serving as a shelter. Local resident Jennifer Small expressed astonishment at the unprecedented destruction.

Haiti reported at least 25 deaths and 18 missing persons, with a focus on a southern coastal town hit by severe flooding. The mayor of Petit-Goave, Jean Bertrand Subreme, appealed for government assistance in rescuing victims and addressing the dire situation.

Cuba also suffered structural collapses, road obstructions, and roof damage, particularly in the southwest and northwest regions. Approximately 735,000 individuals sought refuge in shelters. Residents described the harrowing experience with Reinaldo Charon in Santiago de Cuba highlighting the nightmarish conditions.

Melissa, initially a Category 5 hurricane, weakened to a Category 2 as it crossed Cuba. The storm continued its trajectory with sustained winds of 150 km/h, moving northeast towards the Bahamas.

Canadian authorities advised against travel to various parts of the affected region, including Jamaica, certain Cuban provinces, Haiti, southeastern Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, and Bermuda. Emergency support for Canadians in distress was made available through the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

Efforts to assess and address the aftermath of Melissa were hampered by communication breakdowns and power outages, complicating relief operations. Officials emphasized the challenging road ahead for affected communities, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated support and recovery initiatives.

The United States pledged assistance to Caribbean nations impacted by the hurricane, with rescue and response teams mobilized for relief operations. Additionally, the reinstated economic embargo on Cuba and tourism restrictions by the U.S. administration added to the challenges faced by the region in coping with the disaster.