Hurricane Melissa, identified as one of the most formidable cyclones ever recorded in the Atlantic basin, made landfall in southwestern Jamaica on Tuesday, leaving a trail of devastation and concern among the island's residents.
Footage shared by journalists and social media users, including CVM TV journalist Giovanni R. Dennis and Karina Alice, reveals streets completely submerged, vehicles swept away by the current, uprooted trees, and roofs torn off by the Category 5 winds.
Videos from communities such as Clarendon, Santa Cruz, and St. Ann show overflowing rivers that transformed roads into torrents of water and mud.
In Kingston, the capital, Giovanni R. Dennis reported "torrential rains and widespread power outages," while emergency crews struggled to reach rural areas isolated by landslides and destroyed roads.
Some videos from hospitals depict staff relocating patients to safety from the rising floodwaters.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness acknowledged that "there is no infrastructure in the region capable of withstanding a Category 5 storm" and urged the population to adhere to the guidelines of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), which has set up numerous shelters across the island.
So far, authorities have confirmed at least three fatalities in Jamaica, according to the Associated Press (AP), along with severe structural damage, over 240,000 customers without electricity, and a quarter of the telecommunications system down, complicating rescue and communication efforts.
The humanitarian organization Mercy Corps reported that thousands of families remained sheltered during the event, describing an atmosphere of fear and desperation. "The noise was relentless. People were just trying to hold on," recounted Colin Bogle, a resident of Portmore.
Hurricane Melissa continues its path through the Caribbean with sustained winds exceeding 155 mph, aiming towards eastern Cuba, where authorities have already activated evacuation and contingency plans in anticipation of a potential direct impact.
Cuba remains on high alert, with forecasts suggesting Melissa could become a historic event for the region.
FAQs on Hurricane Melissa's Impact
What areas in Jamaica were most affected by Hurricane Melissa?
Communities such as Clarendon, Santa Cruz, and St. Ann were severely impacted, with significant flooding and infrastructural damage reported.
How many people have been affected by the storm in Jamaica?
Authorities confirmed at least three fatalities, while more than 240,000 people experienced power outages, and a significant portion of the telecommunications network was disrupted.
What measures are being taken in Cuba in response to Hurricane Melissa?
Cuban authorities have activated evacuation and contingency plans to prepare for a potential direct impact from Hurricane Melissa.