The Caribbean is counting the cost after Hurricane Melissa, a ferocious Category 4 storm, carved a path of destruction through the region, leaving communities in ruins and emergency services stretched to their limits.
Bermuda Bears the Brunt
As Melissa finally moved away from Bermuda on Wednesday, the scale of devastation became painfully clear. The British Overseas Territory experienced the storm's full fury, with howling winds tearing roofs from buildings, uprooting ancient trees, and leaving widespread power outages across the island.
Emergency services worked through the night as the storm battered the island with sustained winds of 130mph, creating storm surges that flooded coastal areas and damaged critical infrastructure.
Jamaica's Deadly Encounter
Earlier in its destructive path, Hurricane Melissa claimed at least one life in Jamaica and left a trail of flooded communities and damaged property. The storm's torrential rains triggered dangerous flooding that submerged vehicles and stranded residents in their homes.
Local authorities have launched a massive cleanup operation across the island, focusing on restoring essential services and assessing the full extent of the damage to homes and businesses.
Regional Impact and Response
The hurricane's effects were felt across multiple Caribbean nations:
- Widespread flooding reported in coastal communities
- Emergency shelters opened across affected regions
- Power infrastructure severely compromised
- International aid organisations mobilising response teams
Meteorologists had been tracking Melissa's intensification for days, warning residents across the Caribbean to prepare for one of the most powerful storms of the season. The rapid strengthening of the hurricane took many by surprise, leaving little time for comprehensive preparations in some areas.
Recovery Efforts Underway
As the immediate danger passes, attention turns to the monumental recovery task ahead. Insurance assessors are beginning to calculate the financial cost, while humanitarian organisations coordinate relief efforts for those left homeless or without essential supplies.
The coming days will be critical for determining the long-term impact on the region's tourism-dependent economies and infrastructure rebuilding timelines.
