Hurricane Melissa has continued its devastating sweep across the Caribbean, decimating homes and infrastructure, flooding neighbourhoods and leaving dozens dead.
The impact in Jamaica was clearer on Wednesday, after the island nation was targeted squarely by the category five monster – one of the most powerful hurricanes ever measured in the region. At least five people have been confirmed dead there.
At least another 20 died during flooding in Haiti as Melissa, now a category two storm, tears through the region. In Jamaica, people remain stranded on roofs and without power. Prime Minister Andrew Holness noted the “total devastation” across the island-nation.
He added that “80-90% of roofs were destroyed”, along with hospitals, libraries, police stations, port houses and other urban infrastructure.
King Charles, who is the head of state in Jamaica, said in a statement that he is “deeply concerned” and “profoundly saddened” at the damage caused by Melissa in Jamaica and across the Caribbean.
“This most dreadful of record-breaking storms reminds us of the increasingly urgent need to restore the balance and harmony of Nature for the sake of all those whose lives and livelihoods may have been shattered by this heartbreaking disaster,” he said… Source:cbbc.com/news
