Jamaica's Coastline: Before and After Hurricane Melissa

Hurricane Melissa left a trail of devastation across the Caribbean, with Jamaica bearing the brunt of its fury. The storm, a powerful Category 5 hurricane, made its first landfall on the island, causing widespread destruction. Satellite images reveal the stark contrast between the vibrant coastline before the storm and the rubble-strewn landscape afterward. The fishing village of White House and the nearby town of Black River were among the hardest hit. The once-bustling communities are now reduced to dirt and debris, a stark reminder of the hurricane's power. Melissa's winds reached a terrifying 185 mph, making it the strongest storm to hit Jamaica in recorded history. The human toll is equally devastating. At least four people lost their lives, their bodies washed up by floodwaters. Thousands more were displaced, with over 25, 000 people seeking shelter in the aftermath. The storm also left 77% of the island without power, exacerbating the challenges faced by emergency responders. The hurricane's intensity was measured by its winds and pressure, both of which were exceptionally high. Even after landfall, the winds remained above the threshold for a Category 5 storm. This level of destruction is a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness. As the Caribbean begins to recover, the images of White House and Black River serve as a poignant reminder of the storm's impact. The road to recovery will be long, but the resilience of the communities affected will undoubtedly shine through.