Haitian town mourns victims of Hurricane Melissa

Many people gathered on November 15 in southern Haiti to pay their respects and to say farewell to those who were killed by Hurricane Melissa.

According to Africa News via AP, most of the deaths from the hurricane occurred in Petit-Goâve, located southwest of the capital, Port-au-Prince.

Hurricane Melissa, a category five hurricane, is believed to be one of the strongest Atlantic storms ever recorded, with winds reaching 295kph; its force destroyed homes, streets, and churches.

The powerful winds, which started at the end of October, also reached many areas across the Caribbean, including Jamaica. At least 19 deaths were recorded in Jamaica in October, and 70% of the Jamaican homes were destroyed, and remain with no electricity.

According to France 24 via Reuters, the hurricane is estimated to have cost between $48 billion and $52 billion in damages and lost resources across the western Caribbean. Since the storm began, all affected countries have required additional resources and humanitarian aid.

The hurricane led the Jamaican military to call on reserve personnel to report for duty to support relief and rescue operations.

According to state department officials, the United States had sent over response teams, urban search and rescue personnel, and the teams spread across the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and the Bahamas.

Even with this level of assistance, the roads were too severely damaged, and over 130 roads were blocked by fallen trees.

In the island of Montego Bay, a 77-year-old man, Alfred Hines, had to make his way through thick mud, completely barefoot, to escape from the rising floodwaters.

“At one stage, I see the water at my waist and (after) about 10 minutes, I see it around my neck here and I make my escape”, Hines told Reuters.

Following this, the western regions of the island have become crowded as residents rush to supermarkets and gas stations to stock up on supplies.

In Haiti’s southern coastal town of La Digue, floodwaters rose overnight while many residents were asleep. By the time people realised what was happening, the La Digue River had already overflowed its banks, sweeping away homes, vehicles, and children in its path.

The World Food Programme said at least 90% of Petit-Goâve fields were washed away, and a farming community that was once thriving with a commercial centre is now in ruins.

Africa News Via AP, France 24 Via Reuters, Maghrebi.org