Hurricane Melissa is closing in on Cuba after leaving a trail of destruction across Jamaica, where it was recorded as the most powerful storm to ever strike the Caribbean nation in modern history.
The National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported that more than 700,000 people have been evacuated in Cuba as authorities brace for the storm’s landfall, expected within hours.
Before reaching Cuba, Melissa claimed at least three lives in Jamaica, though a government minister said it was still too early to determine the full extent of casualties. Heavy flooding has been reported on Jamaica’s southwestern coast, and officials say the true scale of devastation will only become clear at daybreak.
In its latest advisory, the NHC said Melissa had weakened slightly to a Category 3 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph (205 km/h).
Despite the reduction in intensity, the storm remains highly dangerous and is expected to maintain hurricane strength as it moves across Cuba and the Bahamas before passing near Bermuda.
Authorities in affected regions are urging residents to remain indoors, avoid flooded areas, and comply with evacuation orders as emergency services prepare for widespread damage and potential loss of life.
