Hurricane Melissa devastated the Caribbean and is now approaching Bermuda

Hurricane Melissa struck the northern Caribbean, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake—particularly in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. The storm, which reached wind speeds of up to 185 miles per hour, later weakened to a Category 2 hurricane and moved on toward Bermuda.

Authorities in Haiti reported 25 deaths, including 10 children, and four people were killed in Jamaica. Thousands of residents were evacuated and thousands of homes were flooded. In Cuba, 241 communities remained isolated.

Bermuda is preparing for the storm's arrival, with schools and ferries closed. Meteorologists warn that this is one of the slowest and strongest hurricanes in the region.

The economic damage is estimated at up to $22 billion.

(reuters, lup)