Homes and Lives Shattered as Hurricane Melissa Leaves Caribbean Reeling
Communities across the northern Caribbean are now facing the difficult task of rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa brought widespread destruction. The storm has tragically claimed lives, and families are struggling to recover.
In Jamaica, residents and government workers are working together to clear roads and reach those who have been cut off. Many are without homes, facing the daunting challenge of starting over. Transportation Minister Daryl Vaz described the damage as “enormous,” as emergency aid begins to arrive.
Sheryl Smith, who lost her roof, expressed resilience, stating, “I am now homeless, but I have to be hopeful because I have life.” Prime Minister Andrew Holness reported that in Black River, a coastal community, as many as 90% of roofs were destroyed. Thousands remain in shelters as the island grapples with widespread power outages.
Haiti has also suffered greatly, with reports of significant loss of life and catastrophic flooding. Many homes have been damaged or destroyed, leaving families in desperate need of assistance.
Cuba is beginning the slow process of recovery. While evacuations helped prevent fatalities, many are now returning to damaged homes and disrupted lives. Yaima Almenares, a teacher in Santiago, joined neighbors in clearing debris from streets. The storm has impacted infrastructure, leaving many without electricity, internet, and telephone service.
Hurricane Melissa reached Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane, and later made landfall in eastern Cuba as a Category 3 storm. While the storm’s intensity is noteworthy, focus should be placed on supporting impacted communities.
