Hurricane Melissa’s fury: Over 30 dead as torrential rains trigger landslides; toll likely to rise
Washington (The Uttam Hindu): Melissa, which is being called the most severe storm of this century, has caused massive destruction in some parts of the Caribbean region. Widespread damage is being assessed due to Hurricane Melissa. According to the latest update, this severe storm has killed dozens of people and caused massive destruction. Hurricane Melissa, one of the Atlantic hurricanes (Category 5), reached Jamaica on Tuesday. Then it weakened while passing through Cuba and Bahamas. According to the US National Hurricane Center (NHC), the storm was moving towards Bermuda till Thursday morning.
The NHC warned that even as the storm weakens, devastating floods and landslides will continue in parts of the Caribbean. Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti were among the hardest-hit areas, where severe flooding and winds have damaged infrastructure, uprooted trees, and downed power lines.
Local officials said rescue and relief operations were underway, although widespread power outages, communication failures, and blocked roads were hampering efforts. Officials said more than 30 people had died in Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic. The death toll is expected to rise as more information comes in from different areas.
Four bodies were swept away by floodwaters in the southern region of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, the hardest hit area. "I am saddened to announce that police in St. Elizabeth have confirmed the deaths of four people—three men and one woman—whose bodies were discovered after being swept away by floodwaters caused by the storm," Jamaica's Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, said in a statement.
Emergency relief flights began arriving at Jamaica's main international airport, which reopened late Wednesday. Workers were distributing food, water and medical supplies, while helicopters were airlifting aid to remote communities cut off by collapsed bridges and impassable roads.
Following the devastation, international offers of assistance poured in. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, "The Trump administration stands with the brave Cuban people struggling to meet their basic needs following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa in eastern Cuba. The United States stands ready to provide humanitarian assistance directly and through local partners."
As the Caribbean begins its difficult rebuilding process, countries in the region and beyond have pledged assistance in the form of cash, food aid and rescue teams.