Hurricane Melissa Approaches Cuba, Triggering Massive Evacuations

Thu Oct 30 2025 10:12:14 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 4 storm, is set to make landfall in eastern Cuba after causing severe damage in Jamaica. With forecasts of heavy rainfall and catastrophic winds, authorities have evacuated over 700,000 residents to ensure their safety.

As Hurricane Melissa approaches Cuba, the storm, classified as a Category 4 hurricane, is expected to bring devastating winds and rainfall, prompting the evacuation of more than 700,000 residents. This storm comes on the heels of significant destruction in Jamaica, where extensive damages have already been reported.

SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Cuba (AP) — Hurricane Melissa barreled toward eastern Cuba, where it was expected to make landfall as a major storm early Wednesday after causing significant damage in Jamaica.

Authorities in Cuba had evacuated over 700,000 people, anticipating catastrophic damage in Santiago de Cuba and surrounding areas. A hurricane warning is currently in effect for the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, Holguin, and Las Tunas, as well as parts of the Bahamas.

As of Tuesday night, Melissa boasted top sustained winds of 130 mph (215 kph) and was moving northeast at 9 mph (15 kph). This Category 4 hurricane is expected to produce storm surges of up to 12 feet (3.6 meters) and unleash as much as 20 inches (51 centimeters) of rain in parts of eastern Cuba.

Numerous landslides are likely in those areas, warned Michael Brennan, director of the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami.

The impact of this hurricane could exacerbate Cuba’s ongoing economic crisis, which has already resulted in widespread power outages, fuel shortages, and food scarcity. President Miguel Díaz-Canel emphasized the nation's commitment to protecting its citizens amidst the storm's arrival, stating, There will be a lot of work to do. We know there will be a lot of damage. He urged residents not to underestimate the storm's strength, noting it could be “the strongest ever to hit national territory.”

From Guantánamo to Camagüey, schools have been closed in preparation for the imminent storm. Meanwhile, Jamaica is launching assessments of the damage already caused, where heavy flooding and power outages have been reported, affecting over half a million customers. The storm has already resulted in at least seven fatalities across the Caribbean, highlighting the storm's deadly impact.