Hurricane Melissa batters Cuba with devastating 120 mph winds, leaving behind massive destruction, power outages, and thousands displaced as emergency teams rush to rescue trapped residents.

The powerful Category 3 hurricane made landfall early Friday morning, uprooting trees, damaging homes, and cutting off electricity across major provinces including Havana, Matanzas, and Pinar del Río. Torrential rains have triggered flash floods and landslides, worsening the crisis for communities already struggling with economic challenges.

According to the Cuban Meteorological Institute, Hurricane Melissa intensified rapidly over the Caribbean before slamming into the island’s southern coast. Authorities have evacuated more than 200,000 people from coastal regions, and emergency shelters have been set up to provide food, water, and medical aid.

Witnesses reported roofs torn off buildings, flooded streets, and disrupted communication lines. The government has declared a state of emergency and requested international assistance to aid in relief and recovery efforts.

Meteorologists warn that the storm could weaken slightly as it moves toward the Gulf of Mexico but may still bring heavy rainfall and high tides to Florida and nearby regions in the comi

ng days.