- the Bahamas began evacuations in anticipation of Melissa’s path
- public infrastructure were severely damaged
- Cuban officials evacuated more than 500,000 residents
Hurricane Melissa struck Cuba’s southern coast on Wednesday, unleashing powerful winds and heavy rain just hours after devastating Jamaica as the strongest hurricane ever recorded in the Caribbean nation’s history.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that according to the US National Hurricane Centre (NHC), the storm was located about 95 kilometers southwest of Guantanamo, Cuba, with maximum sustained winds reaching 195 km/h (120 mph).
EDITOR’S PICK
- Presidency breaks silence on Alleged Coup Plot
- Orimedu Monarch Marks Birthday with Empowerment for Students and Traders
- Former Oyo Catholic Bishop Julius Adelakun is Dead
Melissa weakened to a Category 3 hurricane after making landfall in Jamaica’s southwest region near New Hope, where it earlier packed winds of 295 km/h (185 mph) — far above the threshold for a Category 5 storm.
In Jamaica, Prime Minister Andrew Holness described widespread destruction, saying hospitals, homes, and public infrastructure were severely damaged.
Over 500,000 people were left without power, and St. Elizabeth parish was said to be “underwater.”
Although no confirmed fatalities had been reported, Holness admitted that some loss of life was likely due to the hurricane’s intensity.
Cuban officials evacuated more than 500,000 residents to higher ground as the storm approached.
Meanwhile, the Bahamas began evacuations in anticipation of Melissa’s path, while Haiti and the Dominican Republic suffered days of heavy rainfall and at least four deaths prior to the storm’s arrival.
FURTHER READING
- ‘PDP Defections to APC Prove I Was Right About Tinubu’ – Wike
- 2027: ‘Atiku, Obi No Match’ – Oshiomhole Predicts Tinubu’s Victory
- Wike Flags Off Light Up Abuja Project, Assures Improved Security
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO OF THE WEEK
