Hurricane Melissa Batters Jamaica, Cuba Causing Severe Damage, Large-Scale Evacuations

Hurricane Melissa, a catastrophic Category 5 storm, has caused extensive devastation in Jamaica, particularly in the southwestern parish of St. Elizabeth, leaving over 500,000 residents without power and causing severe damage to hospitals, homes, and infrastructure. The iconic Orange Valley Estates Limited, a historic horse-breeding farm in Trelawny, was nearly destroyed, with roofs torn off and trees uprooted, prompting an emergency evacuation aided by Minister Daryl Vaz. The storm then moved on to Cuba, where it hit the eastern coast with sustained winds of 120 mph, leading to massive evacuations and warnings of significant damage from President Miguel Diaz-Canel. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness reported no confirmed deaths yet but anticipated some loss of life due to the storm's severity. Videos and eyewitness accounts from Jamaica show widespread destruction, including flooded airports and collapsed buildings. The hurricane's impact underscores the immense challenges faced by Caribbean nations in the aftermath of such powerful storms.