Hurricane Melissa has unleashed catastrophic damage across the Caribbean, with Haiti and Cuba experiencing the most severe impacts from the powerful tropical system. The storm's relentless rainfall and destructive winds have created a humanitarian crisis across the region.
Widespread Flooding and Infrastructure Collapse
Emergency services across affected nations are reporting unprecedented flooding that has submerged entire communities and destroyed critical infrastructure. In Haiti, rescue operations are underway as authorities struggle to reach isolated communities cut off by washed-out roads and bridges.
The storm's impact has been particularly devastating for Haiti's vulnerable infrastructure system, with early reports indicating:
- Complete destruction of multiple bridges connecting major population centres
- Widespread power outages affecting millions of residents
- Severe damage to healthcare facilities and schools
- Contamination of water supplies creating immediate health concerns
Regional Response and Emergency Measures
Neighbouring Caribbean nations have mobilised disaster response teams while international aid organisations coordinate relief efforts. The scale of damage in Cuba suggests recovery operations may take months, with preliminary assessments indicating:
- Substantial agricultural losses affecting food security
- Critical damage to tourism infrastructure during peak season
- Complete evacuation of coastal communities ahead of storm surge
Meteorological experts confirm Hurricane Melissa reached Category 3 status before making landfall, with sustained winds exceeding 120 mph causing structural damage across a wide swath of the Caribbean.
Ongoing Threats and Weather Forecast
While the hurricane has weakened to tropical storm status, weather authorities continue to monitor the system as it moves away from the Caribbean. Residual rainfall continues to pose significant flood risks, particularly in mountainous regions of Haiti and eastern Cuba where soil saturation has reached critical levels.
Emergency management officials urge residents in affected areas to remain in shelters until official all-clear notices are issued, warning that secondary hazards including landslides and structural collapses remain imminent threats.
