**Hurricane Melissa Strikes Eastern Cuba After Devastating Jamaica as a Category 5 Storm**
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in eastern Cuba early Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, following a brutal assault on Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane. The storm caused widespread damage across Jamaica after slamming ashore near the town of New Hope, destroying homes and businesses.
Evan Thompson, Principal Director at the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, had warned ahead of the storm: “It will cause catastrophic damage, life-threatening damage. There is very little that can stop a Category Five hurricane.”
The island bore the brunt of powerful winds and fallen trees, alongside life-threatening flooding. Roads have become impassable as storm surge up to 13 feet poured in. The parish of St. Elizabeth is reportedly underwater, with over half a million residents left without power.
Four main hospitals suffered damage, including one that lost power, forcing the evacuation of 75 patients. In response to the crisis, the prime minister of Jamaica declared the entire island a disaster area.
Among the affected is Shantelle Nova, who was preparing for her dream wedding in Jamaica. “Windows are broken, a lot of water is coming in, so we’re just basically pushing towels and stuff at the doors,” Nova said. “And the level of noise is ridiculous. Trees have really bent over and flew away, and some of our roof is completely off.”
In Cuba, severe flooding inundated streets in Santiago de Cuba as the storm brought heavy rains and strong winds prior to making landfall. Up to 20 inches of rain were forecast in some areas, along with significant coastal storm surge.
Approximately 500,000 people were evacuated from vulnerable areas susceptible to wind and flooding as the powerful storm moved through the Caribbean.
**Operation Blessing Prepares to Provide Disaster Relief**
CBN’s Operation Blessing is actively making preparations to assist victims of Hurricane Melissa. The organization is packing supplies and readying a team to deliver aid to those affected by the storm.
On CBN’s Faith Nation, Diego Traverso, Senior Director for Operation Blessing’s Global Disaster Response Team, discussed the challenges ahead. “We don’t know how catastrophic this is going to be, if the water is going to recede, if the airports are going to be open and when they’re going to be open. So, at this point, we are just getting as close as we can to the island and praying for favor so we can either ride on a private or commercial airplane.”
The Operation Blessing team has prepared much-needed disaster relief supplies, including water, food, solar lamps, and hygiene kits. They are also bringing chlorinators and water purification units to ensure access to clean drinking water.
“Water is going to be critical; the different ways for them to get water is going to get polluted. Pray for the people of Jamaica. Pray for the team of Operation Blessing,” Traverso added.
Additionally, Operation Blessing is prepping cargo shipments containing pallets of food and hygiene items for affected families.
**Hurricane Melissa Heads Toward the Bahamas**
Meanwhile, Hurricane Melissa is forecasted to move into the Bahamas later Wednesday. Jamaican officials are hopeful to reopen the island’s airports by Thursday.
President Trump has stated that the United States is prepared to send help as needed in the aftermath of the storm.
Residents and authorities across the Caribbean remain vigilant as they continue to assess the damage and begin recovery efforts following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa.
https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2025/october/life-threatening-damage-hurricane-melissa-makes-landfall-in-cuba-after-battering-jamaica