Caribbean Hurricane Melissa Kills Nearly 50
Summary of Hurricane Melissa‘s Impact (as of the article)
This article details the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 5 hurricane that struck the Caribbean. Here’s a breakdown of the key information:
Key Impacts:
* Deaths & missing: At least 30 deaths reported, with 20 more missing. Haiti suffered the most with 23 deaths (including 10 children) due too a river bursting its banks. Jamaica confirmed at least 19 deaths.
* Jamaica: Experienced its strongest-ever hurricane landfall. Hundreds of thousands without power, widespread damage to roofs, rubble-strewn fields, and over 130 roads blocked. Military called in reserves for relief efforts. Kingston airport and port are reopening,but significant damage remains. Estimated damage in the western Caribbean: $48-52 billion.
* Haiti: Significant damage to roads, houses, and farmlands in Petit-Goave.
* Cuba: 735,000 evacuated,but no deaths reported as of yesterday,though extensive damage to homes and crops occurred.
* Bahamas: Storm warnings lifted, but a full “all clear” hasn’t been given, and the return of evacuees is pending assessment.
* Bermuda: Currently a Category 2 storm passing west of Bermuda. Authorities are taking precautionary measures (closing causeway, schools, and ferries).
Storm Details:
* Category: Initially a Category 5 hurricane, now a Category 2.
* Strength: Tied for second place for strongest-ever Atlantic hurricane in terms of wind speed.
* Current Location (as of 3am Irish time): 264km west of Bermuda, with sustained winds of 161km/h.
The article highlights the widespread devastation and ongoing relief efforts in the affected areas, particularly Jamaica and Haiti. It also emphasizes the scale of the economic loss expected from the storm.