Post by : Rameen Ariff

Jamaica is reeling from the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the Caribbean. With wind speeds reaching 185 mph, the storm ripped through the island, leaving over 70% of Jamaica without power and turning once-bustling streets into rivers of debris and mud.

Traffic remains paralyzed, with stoplights scattered among wreckage, and entire neighborhoods swept away by violent floodwaters. The storm has killed at least nine people in Jamaica and 27 more across the Caribbean, with hundreds of thousands left without homes, clean water, or communication lines.

“This is destruction on a scale never seen before,” said a United Nations official, describing the situation as a humanitarian crisis. More than 400,000 people have been directly affected, as rescuers continue to search through the devastation.

Airports Reopen, But Rebuilding Begins

Despite the chaos, Jamaica’s three international airports have reopened, providing a lifeline for aid and relief operations. The government has launched the official Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund, encouraging global donations to support emergency recovery.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness visited the hardest-hit areas of St. James, calling on citizens to stay strong. “Despite the hardships, the Jamaican spirit shines through — we are a resilient nation,” he said.

Global Aid Efforts Underway

The U.S. State Department has deployed a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), while humanitarian groups like the American Red Cross and Project Dynamo are delivering vital aid — from medical kits to water purifiers — under Operation Cool Runnings. The U.N. World Food Program is preparing to distribute 2,000 emergency food boxes from Barbados, enough to feed 6,000 people per week.

However, U.S. officials revealed that the government’s response was delayed by the recent shutdown and the temporary elimination of USAID, leaving rescue teams grounded during critical hours before the storm.

Cuba and Bermuda Brace for Impact

In neighboring Cuba, nearly 735,000 residents took shelter as Hurricane Melissa caused widespread flooding and building collapses. Meanwhile, the storm is now barreling toward Bermuda, where conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly by Thursday evening.

Although Melissa has weakened to a Category 2 hurricane with winds near 105 mph, it remains dangerously powerful, capable of causing severe damage and flooding. The U.S. National Hurricane Center warned that Bermuda could face heavy rain and destructive winds as the system passes.

A Long Road Ahead for Jamaica

The scale of destruction has prompted experts to warn that Jamaica’s recovery could take months. “There isn’t a single soul on this island untouched by Hurricane Melissa,” said U.N. Resident Coordinator Dennis Zulu.

With power lines down, roads blocked, and entire communities displaced, the island faces a monumental challenge — but also a moment to showcase unity and resilience.

As Hurricane Melissa moves north into the Atlantic, shedding its tropical characteristics by Saturday, Jamaica and its Caribbean neighbors begin the painful journey of rebuilding — one home, one road, and one life at a time.

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