So far, 28 people have died due to the recent severe storm Melissa in the Caribbean country Jamaica. According to government confirmation, the storm was one of the most powerful hurricanes of the decade, hitting Jamaica with winds of 185 mph. Let us tell you that these high speed winds have damaged thousands of houses and caused huge destruction.
According to available information, apart from Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa also wreaked havoc in Haiti, Dominican Republic and Cuba. Although the speed of the storm slowed down a bit by the time it reached Cuba, roads were damaged in many areas, houses collapsed and life was disrupted. It is noteworthy that the Red Cross has called it an “unprecedented devastating disaster”.
The Jamaican government expressed its condolences to the families of the deceased, saying it stood with the entire community. Meanwhile, relief supplies are being sent by air from Britain and the process of returning its citizens stranded there has also been started. The first government-chartered British flight departed Jamaica on Saturday evening, carrying people who were not able to travel by commercial flights.
It is worth noting that Britain has announced an additional £5 million in aid for relief and rescue operations in the Caribbean areas. This amount is in addition to the previously announced £2.5 million. It is being told that with this assistance, more than 3,000 shelter kits and more than 1,500 solar lanterns will be sent, so that people whose houses have been damaged or where electricity supply is disrupted can get immediate relief.
Local officials and international agencies are still engaged in relief and rescue operations. Although the threat of the storm has passed for now, it will take time for normal life to be restored in the affected areas. It has also come to light that due to rain and strong winds, communication and transportation systems have been badly affected at many places.