Hurricane Melissa Has Arrived in Cuba

Hurricane Melissa has made landfall in Jamaica, where it is recognized as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded. The storm hit the island on Tuesday afternoon, causing widespread flooding and destruction. Reports indicate that the hurricane has led to significant damage to infrastructure and has disrupted internet access for most residents. Approximately 25,000 tourists who were on the island during the storm have been accounted for and are reported safe, according to Jamaica's tourism minister. In preparation for Hurricane Melissa, Cuba evacuated about 750,000 people ahead of the storm's arrival. After impacting Jamaica, the hurricane subsequently affected Cuba, raising further concerns regarding 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, highlighting the seriousness of the situation as the storm approached. Hurricane Melissa has been classified as a Category 5 storm, making it the most powerful hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean this year. Authorities in both Jamaica and Cuba issued evacuation orders for tens of thousands of people as the storm approached. The aftermath of the hurricane has resulted in extensive damage assessments in Jamaica, with local authorities facing significant challenges as recovery efforts begin. The situation remains critical as officials continue to monitor the impact of the hurricane on both nations.