In the early hours of Wednesday, Hurricane Melissa fiercely swept across eastern Cuba as a formidable Category 3 storm. The powerful cyclone brought with it torrential rains, destructive winds, power outages, and significant flooding across several provinces.
The hurricane made landfall at night in the Guamá municipality of Santiago de Cuba, specifically at El Francés beach. According to the United States' National Hurricane Center (NHC), it packed maximum sustained winds of 121 miles per hour and a central pressure of 952 millibars.
Chaos and Despair in Santiago de Cuba
Santiago de Cuba has borne the brunt of the storm's impact thus far. Local resident Alexis M. described experiencing "strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, and already collapsed houses." In the Versalles neighborhood, Magdiel F. reported "total collapses of several wooden homes."
These accounts align with the Civil Defense's data, which recorded wind gusts exceeding 111 mph overnight. Partial collapses, fallen trees, and widespread power outages have been reported in the neighborhoods of Versalles, José Martí, and Altamira.
Abel de los R., another Santiago resident, confirmed that "trees are down everywhere," while images circulating on social media show blocked streets, damaged structures, and toppled power lines.
Impact on Holguín and Las Tunas
In Holguín, the northern quadrant of Melissa is making its presence felt. Reporting from Gibara, Arianna V. noted "intense rainfall, no electricity since 4 p.m., and gusty winds." In Cacocum, Alberto Q. mentioned experiencing "strong gusts," while in Manatí (Las Tunas), Yoneski T. described "heavy rain and strong winds."
Forecasts indicate that the coastal area of northern Las Tunas will be hit hard when the hurricane moves back out to sea in the morning, with gusts potentially surpassing 75 mph.
Damages in Granma and Persistent Rains in Guantánamo
In Mabay (Bayamo), Alexander R. reported "strong winds and power outages." Despite some improvements, Olidia O. and Maypu E. noted that in Pilón (Granma), "winds have calmed, but roofs have been torn off and trees uprooted."
In Guantánamo, Elsis C. described "very strong winds and continuous rain." Although the cyclone's eye did not directly pass through the province, bands of heavy rain and sustained winds continue to batter the area.
Intermittent Gusts in Central Cuba
Further to the center, in Nuevitas (Camagüey), Joseluis G. reported feeling "winds with little rain." This is due to the hurricane's western edge, which is causing isolated gusts and intermittent showers in provinces like Camagüey and Ciego de Ávila.
Calls for Help on Social Media
On social media, images and videos depict people seeking assistance from flooded areas in Santiago and Holguín. Some users report that water has infiltrated homes, leaving several families isolated. The posts show streets transformed into rivers, destroyed homes, and neighbors striving to salvage belongings amid the rain.
Current Situation Overview
Santiago de Cuba: Collapsed structures, fallen trees, power outages, and severe flooding.
Granma: Moderate damage, conditions gradually improving.
Holguín and Las Tunas: Violent winds and persistent rain.
Guantánamo: Heavy rainfall, no confirmed severe damage.
Camagüey and Ciego de Ávila: Only isolated gusts.
Hurricane Melissa continues its northeast trajectory, expected to exit into the sea along Holguín's northern coast in the coming hours. The Civil Defense maintains a hurricane alert for all of eastern Cuba and urges residents to stay in safe locations, avoid rivers and coastal areas, and remain indoors until the danger has passed.
CubaHeadlines is closely monitoring Hurricane Melissa's path. If you can do so safely, please share your testimony or images from your area to keep the public informed in real-time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane Melissa's Impact
What was the strength of Hurricane Melissa when it hit Cuba?
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 storm, with maximum sustained winds of 121 mph and a central pressure of 952 millibars.
Which areas of Cuba were most affected by Hurricane Melissa?
The provinces most affected include Santiago de Cuba, Granma, Holguín, and Las Tunas, with Santiago de Cuba experiencing the most severe impacts.
What precautions is the Civil Defense advising?
The Civil Defense advises staying in safe locations, avoiding rivers and coastal areas, and remaining indoors until the hurricane threat has passed.