Live Updates: Hurricane Melissa Nears Jamaica as ‘Catastrophic’ Storm

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday afternoon, classified as an “upper-end” Category 4 hurricane, marking it as one of Jamaica’s strongest storms ever recorded. The storm has caused widespread flooding and destruction across the island, leading to significant damage to infrastructure and cutting internet access for most residents. Reports indicate that at least three bodies have been found in Jamaica, while approximately 20 people, including children, have died in Haiti. The death toll remains uncertain as many communities in Jamaica are still cut off from assistance, complicating rescue efforts and damage assessments. In preparation for Hurricane Melissa, Cuba evacuated about 750,000 people ahead of its arrival. After impacting Jamaica, the storm subsequently affected Cuba, raising further concerns about safety and infrastructure in the region. The base commander at Guantánamo Bay expanded a previous evacuation order to include non-mission-essential U.S. citizens, indicating the seriousness of the situation as the storm approached. Jamaica’s tourism minister confirmed that all 25,000 tourists who rode out the storm on the island are accounted for and safe, suggesting that the tourism sector has not suffered casualties among visitors. However, the situation for local communities is critical, as many areas are isolated and in need of aid. Thousands of residents in Jamaica are now homeless and struggling to access food and clean water, highlighting the urgent need for assistance. Recovery efforts are ongoing, focusing on reaching isolated communities and providing necessary aid. Reports from Black River indicate that families are desperate and traumatized after being isolated from the outside world. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, and further updates are expected as authorities continue to monitor the impact of Hurricane Melissa on both Jamaica and Cuba.