What's happened
Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, struck Jamaica on October 28, causing widespread destruction, at least 32 deaths, and economic losses estimated at up to $7 billion. The storm also impacted Haiti and Cuba, with ongoing relief efforts and concerns about future resilience.
What's behind the headline?
The storm's unprecedented intensity underscores the impact of climate change on hurricane severity, with record sea temperatures fueling faster and more powerful storms. Jamaica's infrastructure, largely built through informal means, is ill-prepared for such events, emphasizing the need for resilient rebuilding. The economic toll, estimated at up to 32% of GDP, will strain the country's recovery capacity, requiring international aid and long-term climate adaptation strategies. The slow-moving nature of Melissa increases its destructive potential, as prolonged winds and rainfall cause extensive damage, especially in coastal and low-lying areas. The storm also exposes vulnerabilities in regional disaster preparedness, with many residents reluctant to evacuate and infrastructure damage hampering relief efforts. Moving forward, Jamaica's focus must shift toward resilient infrastructure, climate adaptation, and regional cooperation to mitigate future risks.
What the papers say
The Independent reports on the storm's destruction and economic impact, highlighting the widespread damage in Black River and the urgent need for resilient rebuilding. Reuters emphasizes the storm's record-breaking intensity, the economic measures taken by Prime Minister Holness, and the broader climate change implications. South China Morning Post details the ongoing rescue operations in Cuba and the health system's strain in Jamaica, with a focus on the humanitarian response. The Mirror provides a comprehensive overview of the international aid efforts, evacuations, and the storm's death toll, emphasizing the severity of Melissa's impact across the Caribbean.
How we got here
Hurricane Melissa formed in the Atlantic, intensified rapidly due to record sea temperatures linked to climate change, and made landfall as a Category 5 storm in Jamaica. The storm's unprecedented strength surpassed previous records, causing catastrophic damage and highlighting the increasing severity of Atlantic hurricanes.
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Common question
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In today's rapidly changing world, understanding current crises and security threats is crucial. From devastating natural disasters to ongoing terrorism concerns, staying informed helps us prepare and respond effectively. Below, we explore the most pressing issues happening now, including the impact of Hurricane Melissa on the Caribbean and security threats in Europe. Find out what’s happening and what it means for global stability.
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How Severe Was Hurricane Melissa and What Damage Did It Cause?
Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 5 storm, struck the Caribbean with devastating force, especially impacting Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. Many wonder just how severe this storm was and what kind of destruction it left behind. In this page, we explore the storm's strength, the damage caused, and what it means for the region's future resilience. Keep reading to understand the full scope of Hurricane Melissa's impact and ongoing recovery efforts.
More on these topics
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Jamaica is an island country situated in the Caribbean Sea. Spanning 10,990 square kilometres in area, it is the third-largest island of the Greater Antilles and the Caribbean.
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Andrew Michael Holness, (born 22 July 1972) is a Jamaican politician who has served as Prime Minister of Jamaica since 3 March 2016, having previously served from 2011 to 2012, and as leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) since 2011.
Holness previousl
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Haiti, officially the Republic of Haiti formerly founded as Hayti, is a country located on the island of Hispaniola in the Greater Antilles archipelago of the Caribbean Sea, to the east of Cuba and Jamaica and south of The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos