Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica, Heads Towards Eastern Cuba

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on March 5, 2024, as a catastrophic Category 5 storm, causing widespread destruction across the island. With sustained winds reaching up to 185 mph (295 kph), the hurricane triggered landslides, downed trees, and extensive power outages. As assessments of the damage begin, officials warn that recovery efforts may be slow, given the extent of the devastation.

The storm is now moving towards eastern Cuba, where it is expected to hit as a major hurricane early on March 6. Evacuations are already underway in the region, with forecasts predicting up to 20 inches (51 centimeters) of rain and significant storm surges in provinces such as Granma and Santiago de Cuba. According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, Melissa is currently centered approximately 60 miles (97 kilometers) west of Guantánamo, Cuba.

As of late Tuesday, more than half a million customers in Jamaica were without power. The storm has already claimed seven lives in the Caribbean, with three fatalities reported in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and another in the Dominican Republic. Recovery efforts are hampered by blocked roads and damaged infrastructure, particularly in the southwestern parish of St. Elizabeth, where Deputy Chairman of Jamaica’s Disaster Risk Management Council, Desmond McKenzie, indicated that “extensive damage” has occurred.

Impact on Infrastructure and Emergency Response

The hurricane has severely impacted the healthcare system, damaging four hospitals and forcing the evacuation of 75 patients from one facility that lost power. Reports indicate that nearly every parish in Jamaica is experiencing blocked roads, fallen trees, and excessive flooding. As emergency services mobilize, the Jamaican government aims to reopen all airports as early as March 7 to expedite the distribution of relief supplies.

In Cuba, authorities have ordered mandatory evacuations in preparation for Melissa’s landfall. A hurricane warning is in effect for several provinces, including Holguin and Las Tunas, as well as the southeastern and central Bahamas. Residents in Cuba have been gathering essential supplies, including water, in anticipation of the storm’s arrival.

Relief Efforts and Community Resilience

Relief organizations are beginning to mobilize across the northern Caribbean, emphasizing that financial contributions are the most effective form of assistance, as unsolicited donations can overwhelm already strained systems. Local communities are coming together to support each other during this crisis, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.

As Hurricane Melissa continues its path through the region, officials are urging residents to stay informed and prepared. The situation remains dynamic, and authorities are closely monitoring the storm’s progress while coordinating response efforts to aid those affected.