Caribbean Nations Reel as Historic Storm Unleashes Chaos
Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of destruction across the Caribbean, claiming nearly 30 lives and displacing thousands. The Category 5 monster – now downgraded to Category 1 – became the strongest hurricane ever recorded in Jamaica before drenching Haiti and threatening the Bahamas this week. 🚨
Haiti's Hidden Crisis
While avoiding direct landfall, Melissa’s relentless rains triggered deadly floods in Haiti’s Petit-Goâve region. At least 25 deaths were reported, with 10 children among the victims. 💔 Over 12,000 residents now crowd emergency shelters amid ongoing gang violence that’s displaced 1.3 million people. "We’ll simply die if help doesn’t come," said displaced resident Fortune Vital.
Jamaica's Decade-Long Recovery
Jamaica faces a $22 billion rebuilding challenge after 185 mph winds turned roofs into missiles and left 77% of the island without power. 🏚️ Hospital workers described sheltering patients during the storm as "missiles blew through glass windows" in St. Elizabeth parish. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has pledged to keep shelters open as 25,000 displaced residents seek refuge.
Climate Wake-Up Call?
AccuWeather warns Melissa’s slow movement and record intensity signal a dangerous climate trend. 🌡️ As the Bahamas conducts mass evacuations and Bermuda braces for impact, experts say this could become the Caribbean’s new normal. Stay tuned for updates as rescue operations continue across the region.
