Hurricane Melissa sweeps across Jamaica: disaster in the Caribbean

Hurricane Melissa has caused severe damage in Jamaica. The government has declared the Caribbean island a disaster area. Tens of thousands are seeking shelter. Melissa is now moving across Cuba.

Tropical cyclone Melissa swept across Jamaica with full force, leaving severe devastation in its wake. Roofs were torn off, entire regions were flooded and over half a million households are without electricity.

The government declared the country a disaster area. Thousands sought shelter in emergency accommodation, while rescue workers and reservists are on duty. It is still unclear how many people have lost their lives.

Only in the coming hours will it become clear how extensive the damage actually is – the consequences are only gradually coming to light.

The now Category 3 hurricane is currently moving across Cuba. More than 700,000 people have already been brought to safety there. President Díaz-Canel warned of storm surges and life-threatening flooding.