Hurricane Melissa Makes Landfall in Eastern Cuba After Devastating Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in eastern Cuba early Wednesday as a Category 3 storm, following its destructive path through Jamaica as a powerful Category 5 hurricane.
Melissa slammed ashore near the town of New Hope, Jamaica, leaving widespread damage in its wake. Homes and businesses were destroyed as the storm unleashed catastrophic force across the island.
Evan Thompson, Principal Director at Meteorological Service, Jamaica, issued a dire warning ahead of the storm’s arrival: “It will cause catastrophic damage, life-threatening damage. There is very little that can stop a category five hurricane.”
The island has suffered powerful winds and fallen trees along with life-threatening flooding. Roads have become impassable due to storm surge reaching up to 13 feet, and the parish of St. Elizabeth is reportedly underwater. More than half a million residents are currently without power.
Four main hospitals sustained damage, with one losing power entirely, which forced the evacuation of 75 patients. In response to the devastation, the Prime Minister of Jamaica declared the entire island a disaster area.
Personal Stories from the Storm
Shantelle Nova was preparing for her dream wedding in Jamaica when the storm struck, flooding the venue and shattering their plans. She described the chaotic scene: “Windows are broken, a lot of water is coming in, so we’re just basically pushing towels and stuff at the doors. And the level of noise is ridiculous. Trees have really bent over and flew away, and some of our roof is completely off.”
Impact in Cuba
In Cuba, severe flooding inundated the streets of Santiago de Cuba due to heavy rains and strong winds as Melissa approached landfall. Forecasts predicted up to 20 inches of rain in some areas, along with significant storm surge along coastal regions.
Authorities evacuated roughly 500,000 people from areas vulnerable to the storm’s winds and flooding as Melissa moved across the Caribbean.
Operation Blessing Prepares Aid Efforts
CBN’s Operation Blessing is actively preparing to assist storm victims. The team is packing essential supplies and organizing aid efforts to reach those affected.
On CBN’s Faith Nation, Diego Traverso, Senior Director for Operation Blessing’s Global Disaster Response Team, shared 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 ready as close as we can to the island and praying for favor so we can either ride on a private airplane or commercial flight.”
The relief supplies include water, food, solar lamps, hygiene kits, chlorinators, and water purification units to ensure access to clean drinking water. Traverso emphasized the critical need for clean 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.”
Additional cargo preparations include pallets of food and hygiene items essential for families impacted by the storm.
Looking Ahead: Hurricane Melissa and U.S. Response
Hurricane Melissa is forecast to move into the Bahamas later Wednesday. Jamaican officials are hopeful the island’s airports will reopen by Thursday.
Meanwhile, President Trump has stated that the U.S. is prepared to provide assistance as needed.