Weather tracker: Hurricane Melissa leaves trail of destruction across Caribbean

The Guardian
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Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, caused widespread destruction in Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti, resulting in numerous fatalities and significant damage. Its impact highlights the increasing severity of hurricanes in the region.
Weather tracker: Hurricane Melissa leaves trail of destruction across Caribbean
A What happened
Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, the most powerful to hit the island, with winds reaching 185 mph. The western region, especially Black River, suffered catastrophic damage, with 90% of homes either destroyed or severely damaged. The storm left three-quarters of Jamaica without electricity and resulted in at least 19 fatalities. As Melissa moved northward, it weakened to a Category 3 storm but still caused significant destruction in Cuba, with winds of 120 mph and heavy rainfall. Haiti experienced devastating flash floods and landslides, leading to at least 30 deaths. The hurricane is now moving towards Bermuda and the Bahamas. Meanwhile, Cyclone Montha impacted southeast India, prompting evacuations and causing extensive flooding, while Vietnam faced severe flooding due to prolonged rainfall, leading to significant agricultural losses and fatalities.

Why it matters

  • Severe hurricane impact: Hurricane Melissa's strength and path caused unprecedented damage in the Caribbean.

  • Widespread evacuations: Authorities evacuated thousands in anticipation of Cyclone Montha in India.

  • Agricultural devastation: Flooding in Vietnam destroyed over 12,300 acres of crops.

Topics

Health & Medicine Public Health Climate & Environment Climate Change Natural Disasters

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