Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 3 storm, made landfall in Cuba late Monday, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and widespread flooding. The storm caused significant damage to infrastructure, with power outages and flooding displacing hundreds of residents. Emergency response teams are working to assist those affected as authorities warn of continued adverse conditions.

The storm intensified rapidly as it approached Cuba, with winds reaching 115 mph (185 km/h). Officials are focused on rescuing people from floodwaters and clearing debris. Flooding has been especially severe in low-lying coastal cities and rural areas. Havana has seen streets submerged, and reports indicate thousands have been displaced, with many seeking shelter in temporary facilities. Power outages are widespread, and the Cuban government is working to restore services, though recovery may take days, especially in the hardest-hit provinces.

Evacuations are underway in vulnerable areas, but many roads remain impassable due to flooding. The Cuban Red Cross is providing emergency services, including food, water, and medical care, while urging residents to stay indoors. The government has declared a national disaster, and the armed forces have been deployed for search-and-rescue operations. International aid is beginning to flow into Cuba to support recovery efforts.

Although Melissa is expected to weaken, it may still bring threats of landslides and heavy rain. Authorities are monitoring the storm’s progress closely. As recovery efforts continue, Cuba is receiving support from neighboring countries and global organizations to rebuild from the devastation caused by the storm. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, officials are hopeful that the coordinated response will help minimize further loss of life and facilitate recovery.

Sources: AP News, BBC News, Al Jazeera, CNN