Council and Jamaica Society offer support amid hurricane devastation

Leaders of Jamaica Society Leeds have spoken of the 'devastating' impact of Hurricane Melissa - the worst storm in the nation's history.

- by Nicola Adam

Melissa struck Jamaica on Tuesday with top sustained winds of 185mph. Parts of the island have been left underwater.

A spokesman said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected our loved ones, family, friends, and the wider Jamaican community during these incredibly difficult and challenging times. We know that many of you are anxious for news and concerned for the wellbeing of relatives and friends."

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in eastern Cuba on Wednesday as a Category 3 storm after pummelling Jamaica as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, the US National Hurricane Centre said.

Hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated to shelters in Cuba, and a hurricane warning was in effect for the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, Holguin and Las Tunas.