In brief
Hurricane Melissa is set to make landfall in eastern Cuba following severe impacts in Jamaica. More than 700,000 people have been evacuated as authorities prepare for catastrophic damage, expecting landslides and flooding due to heavy rainfall. The storm's trajectory raises concerns about worsening Cuba's ongoing economic crisis.
SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Cuba (FluxDaily) — Hurricane Melissa intensified as it moved towards eastern Cuba, anticipated to strike the region as a major hurricane early Wednesday after wreaking havoc in Jamaica.
The Cuban government has evacuated over 700,000 residents in anticipation of the storm's impact, with reports indicating it could deliver catastrophic damage to Santiago de Cuba and other provinces.
Currently classified as a Category 4 hurricane, Melissa exhibits sustained winds of 130 mph (215 kph) and is projected to bring storm surges of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) and rainfall of up to 20 inches (51 centimeters).
Michael Brennan, director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center, warned of possible landslides in the affected areas. A hurricane warning is in effect for several Cuban provinces including Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, Holguin, and Las Tunas.
The impact of Melissa may exacerbate Cuba's already dire economic situation, characterized by severe power outages, fuel shortages, and food scarcity.
In a televised address, President Miguel Díaz-Canel highlighted the need for vigilance, stating, We know there will be a lot of damage, and emphasized the need to protect lives effectively.
Schools are closed across numerous provinces in preparation for the approaching storm. Meanwhile, Jamaica is assessing the damage caused by Melissa, which has already resulted in extensive flooding and power outages for over half a million residents there.
In the wake of Melissa, the ongoing humanitarian impact continues to evolve, with reports confirming at least seven fatalities across the Caribbean region, including several in Jamaica and Haiti.
