Cuba Braces for Hurricane Melissa: A History of Major Storms and Vulnerabilities
Cuba is a prime target for hurricanes due to its location in the Caribbean. The island has faced numerous major hurricanes in the past 25 years, with 10 Category 3 and above storms making landfall. Hurricane Melissa is the latest threat, expected to hit Cuba as a Category 4 storm, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and flash floods. The island's mountainous terrain exacerbates the impact of hurricanes by causing heavy rainfall.
Cuba's size and geographical location make it vulnerable to hurricanes from various directions. In contrast, smaller islands like Jamaica are less frequently hit by major hurricanes. Over the years, Cuba has experienced devastating storms, including Category 5 hurricanes like Hurricane Irma in 2017. The island's history includes significant hurricanes like the 1924 Cuba hurricane, considered the first recorded Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean.
In recent years, Cuba has faced multiple powerful hurricanes, such as Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and the double impact of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike in 2008. Last year, Hurricane Rafael struck western Cuba as a Category 3 storm, causing significant damage. As Hurricane Melissa approaches, Cuba is bracing for heavy rainfall, flash flooding, landslides, and damaging winds in the eastern part of the island.
The National Hurricane Center has issued warnings for southeastern Cuba, where the storm is expected to pass near or over populated cities like Santiago de Cuba. President Miguel Díaz-Canel urged residents to evacuate to safe areas, and the U.S. Navy evacuated hundreds of people from Guantánamo Bay. The storm is forecasted to bring 10 to 20 inches of rainfall, with some areas expecting up to 25 inches. Additionally, life-threatening storm surge is a concern for the southeast coast of Cuba.
As Cuba prepares for the impact of Hurricane Melissa, the country is already facing power outages, with more expected in the aftermath of the storm. The resilience of the Cuban people will be tested once again as they navigate the challenges posed by this powerful hurricane.