Havana: Hurricane Melissa has left widespread destruction across the Caribbean, hitting Jamaica and Cuba within hours and causing severe flooding, power cuts, and loss of life.

The storm, which made landfall in Jamaica with winds reaching nearly 185 miles per hour, is being described as one of the strongest hurricanes ever to strike the island. Entire communities in the southern parish of St. Elizabeth were flooded, and roads, hospitals, and homes were badly damaged. More than half a million people lost electricity, and communication failures have slowed rescue work.

At least eight people have died in Jamaica, and officials fear the number could rise as rescue teams reach isolated areas. The government has declared a national emergency, and workers are trying to clear debris and rest

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