Hurricane Melissa unleashed its fury on Jamaica on Tuesday evening, leaving a trail of destruction and chaos in its path. The Category 5 storm, with wind speeds surpassing 185 mph, wreaked havoc across the island, particularly in western regions. Reports from eTurbo News reveal that nearly 75% of Jamaica is without power, with extensive flooding submerging numerous areas. The storm’s ferocity has obliterated countless homes, leaving many families homeless and vulnerable. Montego Bay International Airport suffered severe damage and remains shuttered as authorities evaluate the aftermath. Social media accounts from Black River in St. Elizabeth, the hurricane’s point of landfall, depict a town in ruins, with at least three families trapped in their homes. Montego Bay and Negril also faced severe flooding, power outages, and structural damage. In contrast, eastern Jamaica, including Kingston, experienced minimal impact. Communication disruptions have hindered a full assessment of the disaster’s scale. The hurricane also struck Cuba, where it was classified as a Category 3 storm with wind speeds reaching 115 mph. Heavy rains and life-threatening storm surges exacerbated the crisis, isolating approximately 140,000 people due to rising river levels. The death toll, as reported by CNN, stands at 28 in Haiti, 3 in Jamaica, and 1 in the Dominican Republic. In response, the United States, the United Nations, and the United Kingdom have pledged support and aid to Jamaica and other affected nations during this critical period.
