Hurricane Melissa Devastates Parts of the Caribbean - Pray for the Affected
Assalamu alaykum. A powerful storm named Hurricane Melissa has struck parts of the Caribbean, first causing heavy damage in Haiti and Jamaica and now crossing Cuba. Please keep everyone affected in your duas.
Reports say about 25 people died in southern Haiti after a river burst its banks in the coastal town of Petit-Goave, flooding and causing many homes to collapse. Local leaders said people remain trapped under rubble and urgently need help. A tragic additional death was reported in Jamaica where a falling tree killed an infant in the west of the island.
The system was extremely strong when it reached Jamaica, and it tore roofs off houses, flooded important farming areas, and brought down power lines and trees. Most of Jamaica’s roughly 2.8 million residents were left without electricity. Officials described widespread destruction and said recovery will be difficult; hospitals and shelters were affected and roads and communications are blocked in some areas.
As the storm moved over land its winds weakened somewhat, but Melissa regained strength as it headed toward Cuba. In eastern Cuba hundreds of thousands of people were moved to shelters and warnings were in place for several provinces. Authorities reported flooded towns, collapsed houses, blocked mountain roads, and roofs ripped off buildings.
People on the ground called the damage heartbreaking. Many families have lost homes and belongings, and communities are working to help each other while authorities try to reach those in greatest need. Governments in the region have started relief efforts, but access and communications problems are slowing things down.
Climate change was also mentioned by activists and leaders, who say hotter seas are making storms stronger and that vulnerable island nations suffer the worst effects despite contributing very little to the causes of global warming.
Please make dua for the families who lost loved ones, for the injured, and for those trying to rescue and aid survivors. If you can, consider supporting trusted humanitarian relief efforts assisting families in Haiti, Jamaica, and Cuba. May Allah protect the victims and grant patience and relief to the communities affected. Ameen.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news