The footage that is coming out from the hurricane in Jamaica and the devastation it caused in its wake is harrowing.
The ‘unprecedented’ Category 5 hurricane, the highest category on the Saffir-Simpson scale, barraged through Jamaica at a speed of 157mph. Keep reading to learn more.
The Category 5 hurricane Melissa that tore through Jamaica at speeds of 157mph brought water and floods to the island nation.
The slow-moving storm triggered mudslides, storm surges, and flooding which caused major damage across the island as residents woke up to the terrifying ordeal to no power.
Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness said that the country is now a disaster area, in a statement shared widely on social media, it said, “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,” it went on, “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.”
The footage coming out from Jamaica shows homes crumbling under the force of the hurricane and areas covered in water and cloudy skies.
As a result of the hurricane, there are over 15,000 people in Jamaican emergency shelters, and 25,000 tourists stuck on the island, with currently no way of getting home.
In a bid to help people, Black River Police Station announced that it opened its doors to everyone seeking shelter from the natural disaster.
The post also showed roads which were covered in debris, cars that were unable to move, and destroyed power lines hanging on by a thread.
The force wrote 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.”
Apart from Jamaica, Melissa also impacted Cuba.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel revealed on Wednesday that the hurricane had already caused ‘extensive damage’ to the country.
“It has been a very difficult early morning,” he said. “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 storm is now expected to travel to the Bahamas and then head towards Bermuda.
This is such a heartbreaking tragedy. We are sending our thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by Hurricane Melissa.
