Hurricane Melissa remains a powerful Category 3 storm as it moves north toward eastern Cuba, leaving a trail of destruction across the Caribbean. Jamaica has suffered the heaviest damage so far, with violent winds ripping roofs from homes, uprooting trees, and triggering widespread flooding that submerged roads and neighborhoods. Emergency teams struggled to reach remote areas as conditions deteriorated, and at least seven fatalities have been reported across Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, though officials warn the number may rise. More than half a million people remain without electricity, forcing hospitals and water systems to rely on emergency generators as governments declare disaster conditions.

Now, Cuba is bracing for impact. Authorities have evacuated over 735,000 residents from vulnerable coastal and flood-prone areas, warning of winds reaching 120 mph, rainfall up to 25 inches, and storm surges as high as 12 feet. Outer rain bands have already caused flooding and landslides in neighboring countries, exposing weaknesses in infrastructure and emergency response systems. Officials urge residents to follow evacuation orders, avoid unsafe areas, and rely on verified updates, noting that dangers such as prolonged flooding, damaged power lines, and contaminated water may persist long after the storm passes. Recovery is expected to be slow and will require coordinated regional and international support.