Eye of Hurricane Melissa leaves Jamaica, heads toward Cuba - Assalamu alaikum
Assalamu alaikum. The slow-moving Hurricane Melissa, called the “storm of the century” by the World Meteorological Organization, has passed over Jamaica and is now moving toward Cuba.
The US National Hurricane Center reported Melissa came ashore near New Hope, about 62 km south of Montego Bay, with maximum sustained winds that briefly reached speeds above the Category 5 threshold. Officials say the storm is currently a very powerful Category 4 and remains extremely dangerous and life-threatening.
The hurricane has caused heavy rain and destructive winds across the Caribbean, with several fatalities reported - including deaths in Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic - and others missing. Forecasters warned of catastrophic flash floods, landslides and widespread damage, with rainfall in some areas expected to exceed 700 mm.
Local Jamaican officials said they did everything possible to prepare, but acknowledged the severity of a storm of this strength. Emergency responders reported toppled trees, downed power lines and widespread power outages as crews worked to clear roads. The Red Cross and Red Crescent groups warned that more than a million people in Jamaica could be affected.
About 25,000 visitors remain on the island; hoteliers have been offering emergency rates and shelter for those stranded. Jamaica has received offers of support from several international partners and neighbouring Caribbean states. Humanitarian agencies stressed that saving lives is the top priority and warned about the risks to water supplies and public health from flooding.
In Cuba, authorities began evacuations and preparations as the hurricane was forecast to move east and remain at strong strength while approaching the southeastern provinces. More than half a million people in coastal areas were reported to be part of evacuation plans, including large-scale movements in Santiago and the eastern provinces. Officials warned of significant rainfall, storm surge and dangerous conditions.
The storm is moving unusually slowly, which increases the danger because prolonged heavy rain and wind raise the risk of catastrophic flooding and damage. Meteorologists described the situation as a dire event unfolding in slow motion.
Please keep those affected in your du'as (prayers). May Allah protect the vulnerable, grant safety to those evacuating, strengthen the emergency workers, and ease the suffering of the people impacted by this storm.
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