Hurricane Melissa Makes Landfall in Eastern Cuba After Devastating Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in eastern Cuba early Wednesday as a Category 3 storm after pummeling Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane. The storm slammed ashore near the town of New Hope, causing widespread destruction across the island.
In Jamaica, extensive damage was reported as powerful winds and flooding battered the region. Evan Thompson, Principal Director at the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, warned ahead of the storm: “It will cause catastrophic damage, life-threatening damage. There is very little that can stop a category five hurricane.”
Strong winds uprooted trees and caused significant flooding, making roads unpassable. Storm surges of up to 13 feet inundated coastal areas, and the parish of St. Elizabeth was reportedly underwater. Over half a million residents lost power, and four main hospitals sustained damage. One hospital experienced a power outage that forced the evacuation of 75 patients. In response, the Prime Minister of Jamaica declared the entire island a disaster area.
Amid the destruction, residents shared their stories. Shantelle Nova, who had planned her dream wedding in Jamaica, 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 in Cuba
In Cuba, Hurricane Melissa brought severe flooding to Santiago de Cuba. Heavy rains and strong winds preceded landfall, with up to 20 inches of rain forecast in some areas. Significant storm surge was also expected along the coast. Approximately 500,000 people were evacuated from vulnerable zones to protect against the winds and flooding.
Relief Efforts Underway
CBN’s Operation Blessing is preparing to assist victims of the storm by packing supplies and organizing a response team. Diego Traverso, Senior Director for Operation Blessing’s Global Disaster Response Team, explained the challenges ahead on CBN’s Faith Nation:
“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 is preparing essential disaster supplies including water, food, solar lamps, hygiene kits, chlorinators, and water purification units to ensure clean drinking 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,” said Traverso.
Operation Blessing is also assembling cargo pallets stocked with food and hygiene products to support affected families.
Next Steps
Hurricane Melissa is forecast to move into the Bahamas later Wednesday. Jamaican officials hope to reopen airports by Thursday, and U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States is prepared to send aid to the affected regions.