Hurricane Melissa Devastates Cuba and Jamaica: Category 5 Storm Makes Landfall

Hurricane Melissa's Impact on Jamaica

• 🌀 Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm, causing catastrophic and life-threatening damage with 185 mph winds and a 13 ft storm surge.
• 🏠 Homes and businesses were destroyed near New Hope, and widespread destruction was reported across the island.
• ⚠️ Four main hospitals were damaged, with one losing power and necessitating the evacuation of 75 patients.
• 🌊 The parish of St. Elizabeth was left underwater, and over half a million residents lost power.
• 💔 A dream wedding was ruined as the storm flooded the venue and caused significant damage to the building.

Hurricane Melissa's Landfall in Cuba and Path Forward

• 🇨🇺 The storm made landfall in eastern Cuba early Wednesday as a Category 3 storm after its devastation in Jamaica.
• ✈️ Approximately 500,000 people were evacuated from vulnerable areas in Cuba.
• 🇺🇸 President Trump stated that the US is prepared to offer assistance to the affected regions.

Operation Blessing Disaster Relief Efforts

• 🤝 CBN's Operation Blessing is preparing to deliver aid to Jamaica, packing supplies like water, food, solar lamps, and hygiene kits.
• 💧 Water purification units and chlorinators are critical due to the widespread contamination of water sources from the storm surge.
• ✈️ The relief team faces challenges in reaching the island due to potential airport closures and the need to secure transportation.
• 🙏 Prayers are requested for the people of Jamaica and for the Operation Blessing team as they prepare for deployment.