Recent footage has emerged from Jamaica, highlighting the destruction left in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, a powerful storm that swept through the country this week.
This ‘unprecedented’ hurricane reached Category 5 status on the Saffir-Simpson scale, indicating its maximum strength as it tore through Jamaica with winds reaching 157mph, accompanied by torrential rain and flooding.
The slowly advancing hurricane triggered dangerous mudslides, storm surges, and widespread flooding, leading to significant damage across the nation. Many residents awoke today (October 29) to find themselves without electricity.
As the storm hit, Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the nation a disaster area. In a statement on social media, he emphasized, “The government’s first priority is always the safety and well-being of every Jamaican.
“We acted pre-emptively with the declaration of a threatened area when the system was approaching Jamaica.
“Hurricane Melissa, an unprecedented Category 5 system, is now here, making its way across the island. This warrants a new legislative provision under the DRMA [The Disaster Risk Management Act of 2021].
“Similarly, we must also continue to proactively maintain stability, protect consumers, and prevent any exploitation at a time when citizens are security food, water, and supplies.”
Video clips showing the impact of the hurricane have circulated globally, depicting homes that have collapsed and vast areas submerged under water, with overcast skies hanging above.
Currently, 15,000 people are taking refuge in emergency shelters across Jamaica, and 25,000 tourists find themselves stranded on the island without a means to return home.
The Black River Police Station has stepped in to assist local residents, offering shelter to those who have lost their homes due to the storm’s destruction.
Images shared reveal roads littered with debris, parked vehicles immobilized, and power lines severely damaged and dangling precariously.
The police station posted on Twitter: “The Black River Police Station has become a refuge for residents whose houses have been flooded. We are sticking close to the community as we weather Hurricane Melissa together.”
After ravaging Jamaica and turning it into a ‘disaster zone’, Hurricane Melissa has now progressed to Cuba.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel reported on Wednesday that Melissa had already inflicted ‘extensive damage’.
“It has been a very difficult early morning.
“Extensive damage and Hurricane Melissa is still over Cuban territory. I urge our people not to let their guard down, to maintain discipline and to remain safely sheltered.”
The hurricane is now anticipated to move towards the Bahamas and Bermuda.