By: Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News|
Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica – Worst Storm in the Nation’s History
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in western Jamaica on Tuesday as a Category 5 storm, unleashing catastrophic flooding, severe wind damage, and widespread power outages. The hurricane struck near New Hope, Westmoreland, dumping over 30 inches of rain and damaging at least four hospitals.
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has declared Jamaica a disaster area under the Disaster Risk Management Act, with over 500,000 households left without power and 6,000 residents displaced.
Rescue teams carried out last-minute evacuations as the government launched the Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund at supportjamaica.gov.jm under the banner “Rebuilding Lives, Restoring Hope.”
Cuba Braces as Hurricane Melissa Makes Landfall
After ravaging Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa hit eastern Cuba early Wednesday with 120 mph winds, triggering life-threatening storm surges and flash flooding.
Authorities reported that 735,000 people were evacuated ahead of the storm. President Miguel Díaz-Canel warned citizens of “significant damage” and urged strict compliance with evacuation orders.
The storm weakened to a Category 3 system but continues to cause severe flooding and power outages across eastern provinces. The impact comes amid Cuba’s ongoing economic crisis, with shortages of food, fuel, and medicine already straining daily life.
Rio de Janeiro Police Operation Leaves 64 Dead Ahead of COP30 Events
In Brazil, at least 64 people, including four police officers, were killed in Rio de Janeiro’s deadliest-ever police operation on Tuesday.
The raid targeted a major gang just days before the city hosts global climate-related events, including the Summit of Mayors and Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, both part of the lead-up to the COP30 Climate Conference in Belém from November 10–21.
Governor Claudio Castro confirmed the death toll, which is now more than double that of the city’s previous deadliest police raid. Authorities say the operation aimed to dismantle heavily armed criminal networks ahead of the high-profile international gatherings.
