Hurricane Melissa: Chaos in the Caribbean

Hurricane Melissa wreaked havoc as it barreled into the Caribbean, recording unprecedented destruction across multiple islands. The storm, which now stands downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane, recently pounded Jamaica with ferocious winds reaching 185 mph, leaving entire communities and infrastructure in ruins.

In Jamaica's St. Elizabeth parish, over half a million residents were left without power, and substantial damage was reported to hospitals and other buildings. The hurricane's impact was further felt in Cuba, where 500,000 people were ordered to evacuate. The rapidly changing conditions led to isolated fatalities and infrastructure damage throughout the region.

As Hurricane Melissa continues its trajectory, the Bahamas braces for impact amid government-ordered evacuations. Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic and Haiti contend with the aftermath of torrential downpours. Officials are still assessing the extent of the loss and preparing for potential further losses of life.