Caribbean Braces as Hurricane Melissa Causes Widespread Damage

Cuba is bracing for impact. Authorities have evacuated more than 735,000 people from coastal and flood-prone areas in anticipation of the storm’s arrival. Preparations are underway nationwide to reduce loss of life.

Forecasts warn of winds reaching 120 mph, rainfall up to 25 inches, and storm surges as high as 12 feet. Officials fear serious damage to homes, agriculture, and infrastructure, especially in low-lying regions.

Haiti and the Dominican Republic have already been hit by severe flooding and landslides from the storm’s outer bands. Weak infrastructure and urban flooding are complicating emergency response and recovery efforts.