The ominous winds of Hurricane Melissa have begun to make their presence known in Santiago de Cuba, as dark gray clouds cover the sky and the ocean fiercely crashes against the southern coast.
A video captured by independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada vividly portrays the cyclone's prelude. The footage, shared on social media, reveals turbulent waves along the edges of Santiago's bay.
In one clip uploaded to Facebook, the bay is seen churning under an overcast sky, with strong winds whipping up sea foam.
Another video shared by Mayeta Labrada illustrates the initial impact of the storm: trees are felled and power lines are downed, highlighting the city's fragility as the hurricane draws near.
These images capture the escalating deterioration of weather conditions in the eastern province: the silence is shattered by the roar of the ocean, the light dims, and the shared anticipation among thousands of Santiago residents that the storm is on the verge of arrival.
As Melissa progresses through the Caribbean waters, the local population watches the horizon with growing unease. Every gust of wind and each crashing wave signals the looming threat of a hurricane that is already palpable in the atmosphere.
Understanding Hurricane Melissa's Impact on Santiago de Cuba
What measures are being taken in Santiago de Cuba to prepare for Hurricane Melissa?
Local authorities are likely implementing emergency protocols, including evacuations and securing infrastructure, to mitigate the impact of Hurricane Melissa.
How does Hurricane Melissa compare to previous hurricanes in the region?
While each hurricane is unique, Melissa's approach brings familiar challenges that echo past experiences with similar storms in the Caribbean.