# The Red Cross says early indications are that Hurricane Melissa caused a disaster of unprecedented catastrophe in the Caribbean. The British Red Cross’s Alexander Pendry says whole communities are reportedly underwater and the damage caused by strong winds has been devastating. Emergency teams have been mobilising across the region as Melissa continues its trajectory across Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Pendry explains the immediate priorities are search and rescue and ensuring people have access to healthcare, safe shelter, clean water, food and other essential supplies.
Red Cross says Hurricane Melissa is a disaster of unprecedented catastrophe