The Caribbean is reeling under the wrath of Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 3 storm that has left a trail of destruction across several islands. With sustained winds of 120 mph and torrential rainfall, the hurricane has triggered widespread flooding, power outages, and evacuations. Authorities are scrambling to respond as harrowing scenes of uprooted trees, collapsed buildings, and frantic rescue operations dominate the region.
Hurricane Melissa Makes Landfall
Hurricane Melissa intensified over the warm Atlantic waters before barreling into the eastern Caribbean. The storm first struck Barbados early Monday, tearing roofs off homes and turning streets into raging rivers. By midday, it lashed St. Lucia, Dominica, and Martinique with relentless winds and dangerous storm surges.
“This is one of the worst storms we’ve seen in years,” said a Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) spokesperson. “Residents in vulnerable areas must seek higher ground immediately.”
Islands Under Siege: Damage and Evacuations
Barbados: Emergency teams worked overnight to clear debris and rescue stranded families. Social media videos show submerged cars and waves crashing over coastal roads. Prime Minister Mia Mottley declared a state of emergency, urging citizens to stay indoors.
St. Lucia: Landslides cut off access to remote villages, while flooding forced the evacuation of a major hospital’s critical patients. “Rescue efforts are severely hampered by the conditions,” a local firefighter reported.
Dominica: Still recovering from 2017’s Hurricane Maria, the island confirmed at least two fatalities due to collapsing structures. Officials fear further destruction as Melissa moves toward Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Rescue Operations and International Aid
Regional disaster teams, the Red Cross, and global aid organizations have mobilized to assist affected communities. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) issued warnings for Puerto Rico, where Governor Pedro Pierluisi activated the National Guard.
“We’re coordinating with FEMA to prepare for the aftermath,” Pierluisi stated. Meanwhile, Haiti and the Dominican Republic evacuated low-lying coastal areas, with Haiti’s crisis compounded by political instability.
Climate Change and Stronger Hurricanes
Scientists link Melissa’s intensity to climate change, citing warmer oceans that fuel higher wind speeds and rainfall. “These trends match climate models predicting more extreme weather,” said Dr. Keisha Charles of the University of the West Indies.
Caribbean leaders continue advocating for global climate action, emphasizing small islands’ vulnerability. At COP28, Barbados PM Mia Mottley pushed for funding to bolster disaster resilience.
What’s Next for Hurricane Melissa?
Forecasters warn Melissa could strengthen before nearing the southeastern U.S. later this week. Florida and the Gulf Coast are on standby, with residents advised to prepare emergency kits.
For now, the Caribbean focuses on survival—shelters are overcrowded, supplies are dwindling, and the full damage remains unclear.
Follow NextMinuteNews for live updates on Hurricane Melissa.
— Reporting by NextMinuteNews Caribbean Bureau
