Massive evacuations are underway in several countries as they brace for the destructive impact of Hurricane Melissa. The hurricane, previously a record-breaking storm in the Atlantic, has now weakened to a Category 2 as it moves across Cuba. Hundreds of thousands of people in Cuba have been relocated to safety in shelters. Areas under a hurricane warning include Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, Holguin, Las Tunas provinces, and parts of the Bahamas.
In Haiti, the mayor of Petit-Goâve reported 25 fatalities due to flooding caused by the overflowing La Digue river. Homes collapsed, leaving people trapped under debris. Hurricane Melissa, with sustained winds of 105mph, is currently situated northwest of Guantánamo, Cuba, and south of the central Bahamas, moving at 14mph in a north-northeast direction.
Authorities are urging swift storm preparations in the Bahamas as Melissa progresses towards the region. The storm is expected to bring dangerous winds and heavy rainfall to the Bahamas and Bermuda. The National Hurricane Centre has cautioned about potential life-threatening storm surges for areas like Turks and Caicos.
The forecast for the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos includes the likelihood of hurricane conditions, storm surges, and heavy rain. Flash floods and landslides are anticipated in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with significant damage expected. Bermuda is also on alert for hurricanes and heavy rainfall starting Thursday.
Hurricane Melissa initially hit Jamaica as a devastating Category 5 storm before moving towards Cuba. The UK is providing £2.5 million in humanitarian aid to Jamaica for emergency relief efforts. British nationals in the affected areas are receiving support from the Royal Navy and Foreign Office teams. Significant destruction has been reported in Jamaica, with a large portion of the island without power.
The impact of Hurricane Melissa is severe, with many regions facing unprecedented challenges. Evacuation efforts and emergency response measures are in full swing as the storm continues its destructive path across the Caribbean.