The Wrath of Melissa
By: Katelin Kukk
Hurricane Melissa is no more but caused devastation to the areas it crossed. Rapidly intensifying into a Category 5 hurricane, it brought catastrophic destruction to several countries. Jamaica was hit especially hard, and now Melissa is the region’s strongest storm on record. The town of Black River in Jamaica had 90 % of its roofs ripped off in the southwest coastal community. Jamaica has also suffered the highest death toll among the affected countries. Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and several other nations have also experienced severe damage.
The storm was no longer considered a hurricane on October 31st, and was reclassified as a tropical cyclone, ending its 10-day rampage. Nonetheless, it still caused power outages to 20,000 homes in Bermuda and briefly passed Newfoundland in Canada and fortunately left it unscathed. International relief has joined together to help those who have lost their homes and loved ones, while rescue and response teams are working together to assist communities. Please consider donating to charities to help support those who need relief. You can find support groups online by doing a quick google search but the one below will donate directly to Jamaicans in need.
Jamaica Restoration and Rehabilitation Fund
