Hurricane Melissa Makes Landfall in Eastern Cuba After Devastating Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in eastern Cuba early Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, following its destructive path across Jamaica as a powerful Category 5 hurricane. Widespread damage has been reported throughout Jamaica as Melissa slammed ashore near the town of New Hope, destroying homes and businesses.
Evan Thompson, Principal Director at the Meteorological Service in Jamaica, issued a stark 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, fallen trees, and life-threatening flooding have marked the trail of destruction across the island. Many roads remain impassable as storm surges of up to 13 feet inundate coastal areas. The parish of St. Elizabeth is reportedly underwater, and over half a million residents are without power.
Significant damage to four main hospitals was also reported, with one hospital losing power entirely, forcing the evacuation of 75 patients. In response, the Prime Minister of Jamaica declared the entire island a disaster area.
Among those affected is Shantelle Nova, who was preparing for her dream wedding in Jamaica. The storm flooded the venue and devastated their plans. “Windows are broken, a lot of water is coming in, so we’re just basically pushing towels and stuff at the doors,” Nova shared. “And the level of noise is ridiculous. Trees have really bent over and flew away, and some of our roof is completely off.”
Impact in Cuba
In Cuba, severe flooding inundated streets in Santiago de Cuba as the storm brought heavy rains and strong winds before making landfall. Forecasters predicted up to 20 inches of rain in some areas, accompanied by significant storm surge along the coast.
Approximately 500,000 people were evacuated from areas vulnerable to winds and flooding as Hurricane Melissa moved across the Caribbean.
Operation Blessing Prepares to Aid Victims
CBN’s Operation Blessing is mobilizing to assist those affected by the storm. Teams are busy packing supplies and preparing to bring aid to the hardest-hit areas.
Speaking 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 much-needed disaster relief supplies, including water, food, solar lamps, hygiene kits, chlorinators, and water purification units to ensure access to clean drinking water. Traverso emphasized, “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.”
In addition, the organization is prepping cargo with pallets of food and essential hygiene items for families affected by the hurricane.
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.