Melissa's Fury: Caribbean Devastation and Aftermath

Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest storms to hit the Caribbean, began dissipating after ravaging Jamaica, drenching Haiti, and impacting Cuba. The storm caused massive economic loss, loss of life, and extensive structural damage. Relief efforts are ongoing amidst concerns about cholera and increasing storm frequency linked to climate change.

Hurricane Melissa, a storm of unprecedented strength, began to lose force on Friday after leaving a trail of destruction across the Caribbean. Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba bore the brunt of the storm, which is blamed for the deaths of at least 50 people and caused severe infrastructural devastation.

Considered the most powerful hurricane to directly hit Jamaica since 1988, Melissa caused significant economic and material loss. AccuWeather forecasts estimated damages between $48 billion and $52 billion. Emergency response teams are distributing food to thousands without power as authorities verify further casualties.

In Haiti, torrential rains led to deadly flooding, killing 31 people and leaving 20 missing. As communities in Cuba rebound from the storm, voices across the region emphasize the need for climate change reparations, linking the storm's intensity to global warming.

(With inputs from agencies.)