The initial impact of the formidable Hurricane Melissa began to be felt in Santiago de Cuba on Monday. As the hurricane edges closer to eastern Cuba, darkened skies and intensifying winds are becoming more noticeable.
Independent media sources have released images depicting the worsening weather conditions in the province, fueling anxiety and concern among the residents.
A video shared by CubaNet Noticias captures the overcast skies and strong winds whipping through the city. The reporter in the footage warns, "In Santiago de Cuba, the early effects of Hurricane Melissa are already apparent."
The report adds, "Although the cyclone is still some distance away from making landfall, the weather has deteriorated to this extent. May God protect Santiago and the rest of the eastern province, as this could be catastrophic."
Mounting Concerns in the Face of an Impending Disaster
At the same time, opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer posted similar images on the social media platform X, highlighting the population's vulnerability as the storm looms closer:
"Hurricane Melissa is approaching, and people lack the essentials to withstand such a powerful natural disaster. Food and medicine shortages, power outages... even if the eastern region is 'prioritized,'" Ferrer wrote.
This Monday, Hurricane Melissa escalated to a Category 5 storm, boasting maximum sustained winds of 270 kilometers per hour. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), it is positioned approximately 530 kilometers southwest of Guantánamo.
Evacuation and Emergency Measures Underway
Experts caution that the hurricane is moving slowly westward at only 6 km/h but may turn north in the coming hours, potentially directing its core toward Jamaica and then eastern Cuba by Tuesday night.
The Civil Defense has declared an alert for Las Tunas, Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantánamo, and Holguín, anticipating catastrophic winds, intense rainfall of up to 450 millimeters, and storm surges with waves reaching between 2 and 3.3 meters high.
On Sunday, Santiago de Cuba officials announced preparations to evacuate over 258,000 individuals, focusing on coastal and mountainous municipalities, including Guamá, where the sea is already showing signs of unrest.
Since Sunday, initial storm surges have been observed along Granma's southern coast, particularly in Punta de Piedra near Marea del Portillo. Videos shared by residents and local broadcasters document the waves fiercely crashing against the rocky shoreline as the winds intensify.
The combination of sustained winds, torrential rains, and storm surges places eastern Cuba in a precarious situation. Should Hurricane Melissa continue on its current path, it could rank among the most destructive storms the region has faced in decades.
Understanding the Threat of Hurricane Melissa
What is the current status of Hurricane Melissa?
Hurricane Melissa has reached Category 5 status with maximum sustained winds of 270 kilometers per hour, as it approaches eastern Cuba.
How are residents in Santiago de Cuba preparing for the hurricane?
Authorities are preparing to evacuate over 258,000 people, especially in coastal and mountainous areas, as the storm nears.
What measures has the Civil Defense implemented?
The Civil Defense has issued an alert for several provinces, anticipating severe winds, heavy rainfall, and dangerous storm surges.