Fury of Hurricane Melissa Unleashes Havoc in the Caribbean
Hurricane Melissa has wreaked destruction across the Caribbean, marking it as the strongest storm to hit the area on record. The cyclone affected Jamaica severely before ravaging Cuba, causing widespread evacuations and infrastructure damage. Caribbean leaders call for aid to address the increasing hurricane intensities linked to climate change.
Hurricane Melissa, the most potent storm ever recorded in the Caribbean, hit Cuba's southern coast on Wednesday, bringing winds of 120 mph. This devastation followed its initial impact on Jamaica, where it downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane but still unleashed severe damage, affecting infrastructure and residences.
In Jamaica, over 500,000 individuals were left without power, with significant damage reported in the parish of St. Elizabeth. Prime Minister Andrew Holness voiced concerns about potential casualties, despite no confirmed deaths at the time, given the storm's ferocity.
Authorities attribute the intensifying nature of hurricanes to climate change, urging wealthier nations to provide aid to the stricken Caribbean islands. Meanwhile, Cuba, grappling with various shortages, has begun recovery efforts while anticipating further evacuations in the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic.