Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 5 storm with winds reaching 175 mph, has caused widespread destruction across the Caribbean. It struck Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, and the Bahamas, leading to evacuations, power outages, and significant damage. Many are asking about the storm's strength, the regions affected, and what comes next. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about Hurricane Melissa and its impact.
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How strong was Hurricane Melissa?
Hurricane Melissa was a Category 5 storm with winds of up to 175 mph, making it one of the strongest storms on record in the Atlantic. Its intense winds and slow movement caused severe damage across multiple Caribbean nations.
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Which areas did Hurricane Melissa hit?
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica and also affected Haiti, Cuba, and the Bahamas. The storm's path included prolonged heavy rain and flooding in these regions, leading to widespread destruction.
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What kind of damage has Hurricane Melissa caused?
The storm has caused extensive infrastructure damage, including destroyed homes, power outages, and flooding. At least 79 deaths have been reported across Jamaica, Haiti, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic, with ongoing assessments of the full extent of the destruction.
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What are the regional aid efforts and international response?
Regional authorities have launched evacuation and emergency response efforts. International aid is underway, although US assistance has been reduced amid shifting geopolitical priorities. Countries are coordinating to provide relief and support recovery efforts.
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How are affected countries rebuilding after the storm?
Rebuilding efforts are ongoing, focusing on restoring infrastructure, providing aid to displaced residents, and repairing damaged homes and roads. The storm's aftermath has prompted regional cooperation to support long-term recovery and resilience.
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What is the connection between climate change and Hurricane Melissa?
Experts link the storm's unprecedented strength to climate change, which has quadrupled the likelihood of such intense hurricanes. Rising sea temperatures and changing weather patterns are contributing factors to the increasing severity of storms like Melissa.