A destructive storm hit Jamaica, causing death and havoc across the island. Hurricane Melissa, with wind speeds of 185mph, claimed the lives of at least seven individuals, destroyed homes, and triggered widespread flooding. Termed the “storm of the century,” it fell just short of breaking the record for the strongest storm in that region. Among the 58,000 Britons in Jamaica were Neville Lawrence, father of murdered Stephen Lawrence, and relatives of footballer Raheem Sterling.
Forecasters are concerned that Melissa, the most potent storm in Jamaica’s history, could inflict even more damage as it moves towards Cuba and the Bahamas. Prior to its arrival, the Jamaican government issued evacuation orders for high-risk areas, shut down all airports, and urged residents to seek shelter.
Amidst the chaos, individuals like Rebecca Chapman, celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary on the island, described eerie pre-storm conditions, with deserted streets and a sense of impending danger. Holidaymaker Andrew Tracey shared his nervousness as the winds intensified, causing vibrations in his surroundings.
Concerned citizens, such as Michaela Menezes and Yvette Cooper, emphasized the need for safety measures and assistance for those affected. The British government mobilized rapid deployment teams to aid British nationals in the region, with the Royal Navy vessel HMS Trent on standby for potential rescue operations.
The hurricane caused communication and power outages across Jamaica, with widespread destruction and isolation in certain areas. Emergency teams faced challenges in reaching those stranded by floodwaters and debris. Experts warned of the country’s vulnerability due to limited resources and the potential long-term economic impact of the disaster.
As the storm approached Cuba, evacuations were ordered for nearly 900,000 residents, and precautionary measures were taken at the US Navy base in Guantanamo Bay. International aid efforts were underway, although funding constraints posed challenges in addressing the crisis effectively.