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 impact on Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane. The storm pummeled Jamaica, causing widespread devastation near the town of New Hope, where homes and businesses were destroyed.
Evan Thompson, Principal Director at the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, issued a stern warning ahead of the hurricane’s arrival: “It will cause catastrophic damage, life-threatening damage. There is very little that can stop a category five hurricane.” As Melissa tore across the island, powerful winds and fallen trees left a trail of destruction, compounded by life-threatening flooding.
Many roads became impassable due to storm surge flooding up to 13 feet. The parish of St. Elizabeth was reportedly underwater, and more than half a million residents were left without power. Four main hospitals sustained damage, with one losing power entirely, forcing the evacuation of 75 patients. In response to the crisis, the Prime Minister of Jamaica declared the entire island a disaster area.
Shantelle Nova, who was preparing for her dream wedding in Jamaica, shared the impact of the storm on her plans: “Windows are broken, a lot of water is coming in, so we’re just basically pushing towels and stuff at the doors. 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 Hits Cuba
In Cuba, heavy rains and strong winds caused severe flooding in Santiago de Cuba before Melissa made landfall. Areas along the coast experienced significant storm surge, with up to 20 inches of rain forecasted. Approximately 500,000 people were evacuated from vulnerable areas to reduce the risk of injury as the powerful storm moved through the Caribbean.
Operation Blessing Prepares to Aid Victims
CBN’s Operation Blessing is actively preparing to assist those affected by Hurricane Melissa. A team is being readied with packed supplies to provide relief following the storm’s passage.
On CBN’s Faith Nation, Diego Traverso, Senior Director for Operation Blessing’s Global Disaster Response Team, shared the challenges facing the relief effort: “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 team has packed essential disaster supplies including water, food, solar lamps, hygiene kits, chlorinators, and water purification units to ensure access to clean drinking water. Traverso emphasized the urgency, saying, “Water is going to be critical; the different ways for them to get water are going to get polluted. Pray for the people of Jamaica. Pray for the team of Operation Blessing.”
Additional cargo shipments prepared by Operation Blessing include pallets of food and hygiene items essential for affected families.
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, President Trump has announced that the U.S. is prepared to send aid as necessary.
