**Hurricane Melissa Makes Landfall in Eastern Cuba After Devastating Jamaica**
Hurricane Melissa struck eastern Cuba early Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, following its powerful assault on Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane. The storm made landfall near the town of New Hope, leaving widespread damage in its wake.
### Destruction Across Jamaica
Jamaica experienced catastrophic damage as Hurricane Melissa slammed ashore. Homes and businesses were destroyed, and the island faced life-threatening flooding and powerful winds. Evan Thompson, Principal Director at Meteorological Service, Jamaica, had warned ahead of the storm, saying, “It will cause catastrophic damage, life-threatening damage. There is very little that can stop a category five hurricane.”
The impact is visible everywhere—fallen trees block roads, which are now largely impassable, and storm surges reaching up to 13 feet have inundated coastal areas. The parish of St. Elizabeth is reportedly underwater, and over half a million residents remain without power. Four main hospitals suffered damage, with one losing power, forcing the evacuation of 75 patients.
In response, the prime minister of Jamaica declared the entire island a disaster area.
### Personal Stories from the Eye of the Storm
Shantelle Nova was preparing for her dream wedding in Jamaica when the storm hit. She described the devastation at the venue: “Windows are broken, a lot of water is coming in, so we’re just basically pushing towels and stuff at the doors. The level of noise is ridiculous. Trees have really bent over and flew away, and some of our roof is completely off.”
### Impact and Preparations in Cuba
Before making landfall, Melissa brought heavy rains and strong winds to Santiago de Cuba, causing severe flooding and inundated streets. Areas were forecast to receive up to 20 inches of rain, along with significant storm surge along the coast.
Approximately 500,000 people were evacuated from vulnerable areas across Cuba due to the threat of winds and flooding as the storm moved across the Caribbean.
### Operation Blessing Mobilizes Aid
CBN’s Operation Blessing is actively preparing to assist those affected by Hurricane Melissa. The team is packing supplies and readying to deploy aid to the impacted regions.
On CBN’s *Faith Nation*, Diego Traverso, Senior Director for Operation Blessing’s Global Disaster Response Team, shared the challenges of reaching the island. “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,” Traverso explained. “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 a private or commercial airplane.”
The relief supplies include water, food, solar lamps, hygiene kits, chlorinators, and water purification units aimed at providing safe 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.”
Additionally, Operation Blessing is preparing cargo shipments with pallets of food and essential hygiene items for families in need.
### Looking Ahead: Melissa Moves Toward the Bahamas
Hurricane Melissa is forecast to move into the Bahamas later Wednesday. Jamaican officials are hopeful to reopen the island’s airports by Thursday.
Meanwhile, President Trump has stated that the United States is prepared to send help as needed to support the affected regions.
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*Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops and relief efforts continue.*
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