Hurricane Melissa is continuing its path of destruction as a Category 5 storm with winds reaching 185 mph. Over 77% of Jamaica is without power, which equates to about 700,000 residents. The hurricane is on record as the second strongest storm in history. Hurricane Allen (1980) holds the record as the strongest storm with wind speeds topping 190mph.
Melissa is expected to continue towards Bermuda by the end of the week. This catastrophic storm has also devastated Haiti, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, as reports of missing people and casualties continue to come in. As the heavy rain continues, authorities are expecting the death toll to rise as several areas are reportedly underwater due to the bursting of the river banks.
Britain has pledged 2.5 million pounds in humanitarian funding for emergency supplies, water, shelter kits, etc., while the US is in the process of sending rescue and response teams to the Caribbean. The hospitals and all emergency services are flooded and are unable to perform emergency surgeries or medical procedures. US officials are working with leaders in the areas affected, including Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas.
